Turkish league leaders Galatasaray launched an extraordinary attack on match officials via social media during their decisive 3-0 victory over fierce rivals Fenerbahce, a result that all but secured them another title.
At half-time, Galatasaray led 1-0 but still felt hard done by when it came to the officiating, leading to the club posting on its official X account in Turkish: “Despite these referees, we’re still leading 1-0.”
It continued with a more scathing indictment: “We see what you’re doing, your plans, the evil inside you.”
Their English language account added: “Don’t let the score distract you from the fact that TWO clear penalties for Galatasaray have been ignored by the referee and the VAR room in the first half.”
This in-game criticism follows Galatasaray’s recent announcement that it was suspending relations with the Turkish Football Federation over disputes regarding referee appointments.
The Istanbul derby is renowned as one of world football’s most intense rivalries, though Galatasaray has dominated on the pitch in recent years.
Sunday’s victory leaves them seven points clear with just three rounds remaining, putting them on the cusp of a fourth consecutive league title, while Fenerbahce have not lifted the trophy since 2014.
Nigeria striker Victor Osimen opened the scoring in the 40th minute, shortly after Fenerbahce had missed a penalty. Barış Alper Yılmaz converted a penalty for Galatasaray in the 67th minute, and Lucas Torreira sealed the win with a third goal with seven minutes remaining.
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson had earlier been sent off Fenerbahce Fenerbahce when the score was 1-0.
Complaints regarding referee integrity are a common feature of the Turkish Super League.
Last season, then-Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho, received a four-game ban from the federation for similar criticisms of match officials. Mourinho has since left Fenerbahce to manage Portuguese side Benfica.
