Saudi Arabia denies Turkish teams' request to display Gaza solidarity banner
Saudi Arabian authorities declined a proposal from two Turkish football teams to display a banner criticising the war in Gaza and to wear T-shirts with images of nationalist figure Mustafa Kemal Ataturk during a game in Riyadh, leading to the cancellation of the match.
The Turkish Super Cup match between rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce was due to be held on Friday evening in the Saudi capital, Middle East Eye reported.
According to Turkish media, both clubs had expressed their intention to enter the field of play alongside a banner reading: "Peace at home, peace in the world," a famous quote by Ataturk - founder of the modern Turkish state.
The banner is widely thought to be in solidarity with victims of Israel's war on the besieged Gaza Strip.
The clubs also wanted to wear T-shirts of Ataturk and have posters of him held in the stands, as part of commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the Turkish republic.
Saudi authorities reportedly denied the request, leading to crisis talks involving the Turkish Football Federation and the clubs' presidents to resolve the spat.