Galatasaray has harshly criticised Turkish football officials for allowing Fenerbahçe to make a comeback against Rizespor through a contentious penalty call.
Fenerbahçe secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Rizespor on Sunday following the sending-off of Super Eagles star Ibrahim Olawoyin.
Rizespor had a two-goal lead against Fenerbahçe in the game and were looking comfortable until the controversial calls by the referee.
Olawoyin was at the core of the controversy after a dubious penalty ruling against him changed the tide in favour of Jose Mourinho's team, leaving Rizespor's advantage intact.
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Galatasaray react to controversial call
Galatasaray has released a statement following referee Burak Pakkan’s decision to award Olawoyin a red card and accused the Turkish Football Federation of favouring Fenerbahçe.
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The statement on X reads, “These thieves, who never stop talking about rights and laws but do not hesitate to resort to any means to win, continue to steal their opponents’ efforts on the field.
“For them, the foreign VAR is not there to bring justice to football but to provide privileges and make unfair decisions!
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“We will show once again to these bad people who saw all this disgrace and rejoiced on the field without blushing that it is not possible to become champions by violating justice.
“You will leave this country’s football with your foreign VAR, your MHK President, your Federation and all the equipment you use!”
The team believes these choices are part of a larger plan to keep Fenerbahçe in the running for the title and get closer to the Yellow Reds.
With 54 points and one game remaining, Galatasaray leads Mourinho's team by three points and continues to hold the top spot in the Super Lig standings.