Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce postponed: Istanbul derby pulled hours before kick-off due to 'security concerns'

The match was due to take place on Sunday evening in Turkey's biggest city

A generic view of Galatasaray fans (GETTY IMAGES)

The Istanbul derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce was postponed on Sunday because of "security concerns" in Turkey's biggest city.

Istanbul local authorities and the Turkish Football Federation determined the match must be put back to a later date.

The decision came in the wake of a suicide bomb attack in Istanbul on Saturday which killed five people and left dozens injured.

The specific nature of the latest concerns was not immediately disclosed by Galatasaray.

Galatasaray announced the postponement, with a statement on Twitter saying: "Due to security concerns based on information provided by the TFF, Istanbul council and police force, tonight's match has been postponed."

Galatasaray's Turk Telekom Arena seats 52,000 spectators and would have been packed out for the visit of title-chasing Fenerbahce.

The match was due to kick off at 8pm local time (6pm GMT) and the announcement of its postponement was made with around two hours before the teams would have taken to the field.

Galatasaray's Twitter account had posted pictures from inside the stadium of the normal pre-match preparations being carried out, before the decision to call off the fixture was made.

The home side published a statement from the Istanbul Governor's office which said that "serious intelligence relating to safety" had been received.

The Turkish Football Federation said on its website: "This evening's match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, scheduled to be played in Istanbul, has been postponed to a later date in accordance with decisions of the Governor's office.

"The date of the Galatasaray-Fenerbahce match will be shared with the public in the coming days."

Newspaper Hurriyet showed pictures on its website on Sunday of Galatasaray supporters, having been allowed into the stadium long before kick-off, expressing anger at the match being postponed.

It also showed a large police presence near the stadium, along with many arriving fans.

This weekend's round of matches in Turkey's Super Lig is the last for a fortnight due to a break for international fixtures. Turkey are due to play Sweden on Friday in Antalya.

Turkey's interior minister, Efkan Ala, has blamed the Islamic State group for Saturday's attack in Istanbul which killed the suicide bomber and four other people.

PA