Ankara: Ismail Kartal remains Fenerbahce's head coach despite the 65-year-old announcing his resignation following a 1-1 draw with Roma in their Champions League opener, the Istanbul club's president said Thursday. "None of us knew about the resignation decision," Aziz Yildirim told reporters after the match. "Ismail Kartal remains in charge. But the entire Fenerbahce community should stand behind the coach," he said. "As long as I am here, Ismail Kartal is the head coach. He cannot leave until I leave." Yildirim said Kartal's decision sprang from a post-match incident: "A water bottle was thrown at Ismail Kartal's head this evening. That's the reason."

According to Anadolu Agency, Yildirim's comments came after Kartal announced he was stepping down during a post-match press conference, saying: "As of this evening, I would like to congratulate my players and announce my resignation." He said he had made the decision together with his coaching staff to "pave the way" for Fenerbahce. "I have resigned from my post while there is still time, to assist my beloved Fenerbahce, my players and future managers. I wish everyone a good evening, on the understanding that I shall never return," he said.

Kartal returned to Fenerbahce this June for his fourth spell as head coach. He guided Fenerbahce into the Champions League league phase, marking the club's first appearance in the competition's main stage since the 2008-09 season.

Fenerbahce said Friday that the fan who threw a bottle at Kartal had been identified and banned from attending future matches. The club said the individual gave a statement to authorities following instructions from Istanbul prosecutors. "A stadium ban has been imposed on the individual under Law No. 6222," Fenerbahce said.