The Green Crocodiles have become the first Turkish Super Lig champions to ever be relegated from the country’s top flight.
One-time Turkish Super Lig champions Bursaspor have suffered the ultimate embarrassment; relegation. Turkey’s fifth biggest football club has been relegated after a dramatic ending to the 2018-2019 season of the Turkish top flight.
Despite defeating Yeni Malatyaspor 2-1 away on Sunday evening, Bursaspor’s relegation from the Super Lig was confirmed at the final whistle due to Goztepe’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Ankaragucu in Izmir at the same time on Sunday.
Goztepe needed to win their final game of the season, against Ankaragucu, in order to secure their own survival. In typical Turkish football fashion, a penalty decided the winner of their duel in the final minutes of the game when Ankaragucu defender Cebrail Karayel seemed to deliberately use his arm to block an off-target shot after which he told the game’s official, Cuneyt Cakir, that the ball made contact with his arm.
Goztepe’s Deniz Kadah stepped up and converted from the penalty spot to give his team the 2-1 lead and, ultimately, a crucial three points which ensured their survival.
Bursaspor are considered to be the fifth biggest club in Turkey and their relegation has surprised many in the country. The club won the Super Lig title for the one and only time in 2010 under the guidance of coach Ertugrul Saglam as well as participate in the Champions League group stages in 2010-2011. Their relegation makes them the first ever Super Lig winner to be relegated from the league.
In the post-game conference, coach Mesut Bakkal said he is leaving Bursaspor as his contract has now expired and will not be renewed.
Erzurumspor, who beat Kayserispor 2-0 away on Sunday, were also relegated.
The two clubs have completed the list of three teams to be relegated this season, the other being Akhisarspor who were relegated earlier this month.
