Saudi Arabia hits back in row over cancelled Turkish Super Cup match

The Saudi Arabian organisers of the cancelled Turkish Super Cup match in Riyadh have hit back in a dispute over political symbolism.

Fierce rivals Fenerbahce and Galatasaray were due to meet at the Al-Awwal Stadium on Friday evening but the game was called off despite thousands of fans already being inside.

A row erupted when the Saudi authorities refused banners celebrating the revered father of the modern Turkish state Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on the centenary of the nation's birth.

A banner bearing Ataturk's words 'Peace at home, peace in the world' was expected to be displayed inside the stadium and the players were due to warm-up in t-shirts bearing his image.

However, the local authorities moved to postpone the game at short notice and Riyadh Season, the organisers of the match, claimed promises had been broken.

'We had been looking forward to holding the match and in accordance with the international football rules and regulations; which required presenting the sport without any slogans outside its scope,' a statement read.

'Especially since this was discussed with the Football Federation of Turkiye within the framework of the match's preparatory meetings, and the need to adhere to what is required by the regulations pertaining to this match, in accordance with the international rules and regulations, was emphasised.

'It was also agreed that the national stadium of the Republic of Turkiye will be played, along with the display of the Turkiye flag inside the stadium and in the stands, due to the appreciation we hold for the Republic of Turkiye.

'Despite this consensus, it was unfortunate that the two teams did not adhere to what had been agreed upon, which led to the match not being held.'

Earlier reports had suggested the