A terror threat to the Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce derby has forced authorities to call the game off little over an hour before kick-off.
The Turkish giants were set to clash and fans were already arriving at the stadium for the fierce derby when the decision was made.
Organisers said a ‘serious security threat’ at the Turk Telekom Arena ahead of the crunch fixture led to it being cancelled.
It was believed that the Istanbul derby might now be held behind closed doors on Sunday evening, but football authorities decided to pull the game altogether.
Due to security concerns based on information provided by the TFF, İstanbul council and police force, tonight's match has been postponed.
— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) March 20, 2016
It comes less than 24 hours after a shopping centre in Istanbul was bombed, killing four and injuring 36 in an attack believed to have been carried out by Isis.
Thirty-five people were also killed in a car bomb explosion on the Turkish capital Ankara on March 13, believed to be linked to Kurdish PKK.
This latest threat on a football match comes after Isis-inspired militants tried to launch a deadly attack on the Stade de France where France were playing Germany.
Germany’s game against the Netherlands had to be called off over terror threats late last year and matches in Germany were also affected in the wake of the Paris attacks.
Security is also being stepped up in the build up to Euro 2016 in France and authorities have warned that any security threats could mean international games during the tournament are played behind closed doors.
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