Graeme Souness has recreated the controversial flag-waving celebration which led to him receiving death threats back in 1996.
The fiery Scot was back in Istanbul on Sunday to help his former club Galatasaray celebrate a record-extending 23rd Turkish top flight title, and a first since the 2018/19 season.
The club had already clinched the league with a couple of games to spare when they kicked off what would end up as a 3-0 victory over their arch-rivals Fenerbahce, and the mood in the Nef Stadium was naturally buoyant at the final whistle.
Cue Souness hoisting a Galatasaray flag aloft, in much the same way he did as manager of the club, after leading them to victory over Fenerbahce in the 1996 Turkish Cup Final.
Graeme Souness' iconic flag celebration
On that occasion, Souness planted the flag in the centre of Fenerbahce's pitch, almost starting a riot at the end of the two-legged final, which Galatasaray won 2-1 on aggregate.
The former Sky Sports pundit has since explained his reasons for doing so, citing comments made someone at Fenerbahce regarding his health.
🟡🔴 Graeme Souness'tan bayrak şov! #SporTotoSüperLig pic.twitter.com/QaR3wQ7wgi
— beIN SPORTS Türkiye (@beINSPORTS_TR) June 4, 2023
Souness explains flag-planting
"It wasn't the cleverest thing I've ever done," Souness said on Virgin Media Sport a few years ago.
"One of their directors had questioned what Galatasaray were doing signing me, referring to me as a cripple, after my open heart surgery.
"Nine months further on, we win the cup in their stadium, a big flag is handed over from their supporters. I turned to wave it, couple of waves, looked to hand it to someone.
"I look to the stand and see this director and thought 'hmmm... I'll show you who's a cripple.'
"Once I planted it, their supporters weren't too happy and were trying to get onto the pitch. I managed to get into the tunnel to safety."
Hero's return
While his ill-judged decision led to death threats from the Fenerbahce faithful, it's no surprise that it earned him a special place in the hearts of Galatasaray fans, who marked the moment in a tifo on Sunday.
Souness was given a rousing reception from the home supporters on his return, and looked like he was in his element as he waved the red and yellow flag around the pitch.
While he had a complicated relationship with fans of some of his former clubs, such as Liverpool and Newcastle, it's clear that Souness will always be welcomed with open arms on the Galatasaray side of Istanbul.
Ulubatlı Souness! 💛❤️ #ŞampiyonunGecesi pic.twitter.com/Z8R1qNryPf
— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) June 4, 2023
