Belezoglu did not throw a punch, says Fenerbahce coach

Fenerbahce coach Aykut Kocaman has denied that midfielder Emre Belezoglu threw a punch at him after a heated clash with a team-mate.

Kocaman said he was annoyed with Belezoglu’s recent behaviour after the former Inter and Newcastle man was reported to have had a disagreement with fellow player Cristian Baroni following the Super Lig side’s 2-0 win over Bursaspor on Monday night.

During the incident, the 31-year-old was believed to have tried to strike his boss, and has subsequently been suspended indefinitely.

However, Kocaman insists that the punch claims are untrue.

“I was angry with Emre arguing in the changing room with Cristian, but there was no punch-up,” the 46-year-old told Dogan News Agency.

When quizzed on the incident, Belezoglu seemed to think that it was a minor disagreement that has been blown out of proportion by the press.

“This is nothing too serious. I feel I don’t need to comment on the issue,” the Turkey international told Anadolu News Agency.

Belezoglu’s current deal expires at the end of the season, amid rumours that Benfica and Atletico Madrid are set to offer him pre-contractual terms in the coming weeks.

Fenerbahce’s win puts them on 31 points, level with rivals Galatasaray at the Super Lig summit.