Erdoğan points out 'plot' in Istanbul football violence

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday pointed out a "plot" during Thursday's match between Istanbul football giants Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş.

Speaking to reporters in Istanbul after Friday prayers, Erdoğan said: "It is beyond football terrorism. I have to speak a little bit clearly. There was also a plot."

His remarks came a day after the derby between Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş was abandoned by the referee after the visiting Beşiktaş manager was injured by objects flung from the stands.

The incident took place at the second half when some sections of the Fenerbahçe crowd resorted to throwing objects such as plastic bottles and coins at the Beşiktaş bench, including at team manager Şenol Güneş; the game was stopped in the 57th minute by the referee.

The injured Güneş was taken away from the field on a stretcher and received several stitches on his head.

Erdoğan said he called Güneş and wished him a speedy recovery, adding it is "impossible" to forgive what was done to him.

"Some people organized this terror at the tribunes. This did not happen spontaneously," he said.