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“I am a coach who expresses my respect for the Fenerbahce community at every opportunity, but underlines that I am one of their biggest rivals on the field,” he added.<\/p>\n
“I am aware of the discomfort my actions yesterday caused in the Fenerbahce community. I would also like to express my sincere sadness for the perception that was created in a way that I did not want.”<\/p>\n
In their response Fenerbahce said they will not allow any of their players to play for the national team as long as Ataman remains in his post.<\/p>\n
“What he did in front of millions of viewers stands in complete opposition to the dignity and identity of the national team head coach position,” the club added in a statement.<\/p>\n
“The national team belongs to all of us. Every individual who is part of this team must act with this awareness and responsibility. <\/p>\n
“This behaviour, carried out in an attempt to appease one community, is a great disrespect to our own community, to the dignity of the national team head coach position, and even to our country.”<\/p>\n
Turkey are due to play Hungary in EuroBasket qualifiers on 22 and 25 November.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n