Galatasaray have launched a strong attack on referees in Turkey, accusing match 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, the club expressed anger over officiating decisions, claiming they were denied two penalties during the game.
The club said: “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.”
The comments quickly drew attention because of the intensity of one of Turkish football’s biggest rivalries, which often carries major title implications.
Galatasaray extended their lead in the second half and sealed a dominant 3-0 victory that moved them seven points clear of Fenerbahçe with three matches left in the season.
Victor Osimhen opened the scoring before second-half goals from Barış Alper Yılmaz and Lucas Torreira put the result beyond doubt.
Fenerbahçe’s frustrations deepened after they missed a first-half penalty and were later reduced to 10 men when referee Yasin Kol sent off goalkeeper Ederson
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The statements come at a sensitive period for Turkish football, where refereeing has remained a major source of controversy.
In 2023, referee Halil Umut Meler was assaulted by club president Faruk Koca, an incident that led to the suspension of matches across the league.
More recently, former Fenerbahçe manager José Mourinho was fined and banned after questioning refereeing impartiality, while several clubs staged walk-offs in protest over officiating decisions.
Tensions have also risen off the pitch, with Galatasaray president Dursun Aydın Özbek recently announcing that the club had suspended all relations with the current leadership of the Turkish Football Federation.
The Turkish Football Federation had also suspended 149 referees and assistant referees following an investigation into betting activity involving officials.
With the title race entering its final stretch, Galatasaray’s latest remarks are expected to deepen already strained relations between major clubs and match officials, keeping refereeing standards under heavy scrutiny in Turkish football.
