Metin Öztürk, the Vice President of Galatasaray, recently expressed his strong discontent following the controversial officiated moments during the Eyüpspor vs Fenerbahçe match played on December 20, 2024, which ended with a score of 1-1. His remarks came during statements made to the press where he emphasized significant concerns about refereeing decisions and the ramifications for Eyüpspor's pursuit of European qualification.
Öztürk watched the game closely, noting the intense nature of the match, especially due to Eyüpspor being Galatasaray’s direct competitor this season. "I am very surprised. We talk about football on the field and fairness. İrfan Can Kahveci elbowed Caner so hard we thought the referee would blow his whistle. It was beyond foul; it deserved at least a yellow card. It continued, and it became a goal," he remarked, highlighting what he deemed obvious errors by the officiators.
The crux of the controversy revolved around Kahveci's alleged foul on Erkin, which went unpunished, alongside Eyüpspor's subsequent goal being disallowed. This raised serious questions among supporters and pundits alike about the overall officiation standard within the league. "He (the referee) didn't see it. The assistant referee didn't see it. There was no penalty call even though it was evident. Eyüpspor's goal was ruled out due to what was claimed to be foul. I thought it was offside, but it was just such clear goal. My first thought was only offside; later, I learned it was termed foul," Öztürk elaborated.
Öztürk's comments suggest he believes these errors may have significant consequences not just for the teams involved, but for the integrity of the league itself. He remarked on the responsibilities of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), noting, "The federation president watches all 19 teams' matches. We saw previously he closely followed matches and mentioned Eyüpspor's rights being violated." His assertion of oversight demanded accountability from the governing body, reflecting the sentiments of many fans who feel their teams are unjustly treated.
Expressing his frustration, Öztürk pointed out, "Eyüpspor's rights were violated, and they were robbed of two points on their way to Europe. I am biased, so I cannot state for certain, but I believe our federation president will respond objectively." His call for transparency indicates there's more at stake than merely points on the table; it's about trust within Turkish football.
Moving away from the anger surrounding the match, Öztürk also took the opportunity to indicate the importance of focusing on forthcoming challenges, noting the upcoming away match against Kayserispor. Balancing the serious nature of his remarks, he humorously diverted attention with cultural references. "If you want to avoid such constructs as building structures, I suggest you watch the Fuat Pasha Mansion Theatre. It's located at Bebek, and it has everything to watch peacefully. Good years to you," he affably concluded.
Öztürk's dual approach of criticism and levity resonates within the broader conversation about Turkish football's regulatory environment and its impacts on clubs competing for top honors. He continues to advocate for fairness on the pitch, underscoring the passion and dedication found among the country's football community.
