Galatasaray has strongly criticized Turkish football officials after a controversial penalty decision helped Fenerbahçe secure a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Rizespor. The match saw Rizespor leading by two goals until a contentious penalty call, which turned the tide in favor of Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe side. The penalty was awarded after Super Eagles star Ibrahim Olawoyin was sent off, sparking an outcry from Galatasaray.
Rizespor seemed in control with their two-goal advantage, but the controversial calls from referee Burak Pakkan altered the game’s momentum. The decision to award a penalty against Olawoyin, who was at the heart of the controversy, left many fans and officials questioning the fairness of the call. This ruling, which helped Fenerbahçe close the gap, was a turning point that raised serious doubts about the integrity of the match.
Following the red card for Olawoyin, Galatasaray made their displeasure clear with a harsh statement directed at the Turkish Football Federation. They accused the federation of bias, claiming that the foreign VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system was being used to unfairly favor Fenerbahçe. The club’s statement on social media expressed outrage at the decision, calling out those who, according to Galatasaray, sought to manipulate the match for their own advantage.
The statement read, “These thieves, who constantly speak of rights and justice, yet go to any lengths to win, continue to steal their opponents’ efforts on the field.” Galatasaray firmly believed that the decisions made were part of a wider plan to help Fenerbahçe close the gap and stay in the title race. The team’s frustration was evident in the strong language used, emphasizing that such actions undermine the integrity of the competition.
As it stands, Galatasaray remains at the top of the Super Lig with 54 points, three points ahead of Fenerbahçe, who are trying to catch up in the race for the championship. With one game remaining, the competition between the two teams remains fierce, and Galatasaray’s statement suggests they are determined to challenge what they see as an unjust advantage given to their rivals. The controversy over the penalty decision highlights the tensions in Turkish football as the title race heats up.
