Turkish giants Galatasaray have launched a blistering attack on their country's top-flight officials, accusing them of harbouring 'evil inside' in a scathing social media post. The club made the bold declaration on Sunday during their 3-0 victory over bitter rivals Fenerbahce in the Istanbul derby, a match that saw the visitors reduced to 10 men.
Derby Victory Fuels Controversy
The win, a top-of-the-table clash, moved Galatasaray seven points clear of their fierce rivals with just seven games remaining in the Turkish Super Lig season. However, despite the triumph, the club was left fuming over the standard of officiating at Rams Park.
While leading 1-0 at half-time, Galatasaray wrote on X: 'Despite these referees, we're still leading 1-0. We see what you're doing, your plans, the evil inside you. 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.'
Referee Under Fire
The in-game criticism came just days after Galatasaray announced it was suspending relations with the Turkish Football Federation amid a dispute over referee appointments. Sunday's encounter saw referee Yasin Kol issue a combined 11 yellow cards to both teams, further inflaming tensions.
Galatasaray, who are closing in on a fourth consecutive Turkish title, took the lead in the 40th minute through Victor Osimhen, with Fenerbahce having earlier missed a penalty. The hosts doubled their advantage midway through the second half when Baris Alper Yilmaz converted a spot-kick. Former Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira sealed the 3-0 scoreline in the 83rd minute.
Red Card Adds to Drama
Fenerbahce goalkeeper Ederson, who joined from Manchester City last September, was sent off when the score was 1-0, compounding their woes. Complaints about referees and their integrity are common in the Turkish Super Lig, with Jose Mourinho, as Fenerbahce coach last season, receiving a four-game ban from the federation for criticising match officials.
