Galatasaray have launched a fierce attack on referees in Turkey, accusing officials of “evil” influence during their 3-0 derby win over rivals Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Süper Lig.
The controversy unfolded during Sunday’s high-stakes Istanbul derby, with Galatasaray already leading 1-0 at half-time.
In a series of posts on social media platform X on Sunday, the club expressed anger at match officiating, claiming they had been denied two penalties.
“Despite these referees, we’re still leading 1-0. “We see what you’re doing, your plans, the evil inside you. This order won’t go on like this,” Galatasaray said.
The comments sparked immediate reaction given the intensity of one of Turkish football’s biggest rivalries, which often carries significant title implications.
Galatasaray would go on to extend their lead in the second half, sealing a dominant 3-0 victory that moved them seven points clear of Fenerbahçe with just three matches remaining.
On the pitch, Victor Osimhen opened the scoring before second-half goals from Barış Alper Yılmaz and Lucas Torreira put the result beyond doubt.
Fenerbahçe’s frustrations were compounded after missing a first-half penalty and later being reduced to 10 men when referee Yasin Kol sent off goalkeeper Ederson.
The explosive statements come at a sensitive time for Turkish football, where refereeing has been a recurring source of controversy.