ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkish league leaders Galatasaray posted on social media About the referee at half-time against Fenerbahçe, a rival that almost guaranteed another title, and the “evil within.”
“Despite this refereeing, we still lead 1-0,” a post in Turkish on X’s official account said during Galatasaray’s 3-0 win in the Istanbul derby on Sunday.
“We see what you guys are doing, we see your plans, we see the evil within you,” the club wrote on its English account, adding: “Please do not be distracted by the score and the fact that two clear penalties in the first half against Galatasaray were ignored by the referee and the VAR room.”
The in-match criticism came just days after Galatasaray announced they were suspending ties with the Turkish Football Federation over a dispute over the selection of referees for matches.
The rivalry between Gala and Fennell is one of the fiercest in world football, although it has been one-sided on the field in recent years.
Sunday’s victory leaves Galatasaray with a seven-point difference with three matches remaining as they aim for their fourth consecutive league title. Fenerbahce have not been champions since 2014.
Galatasaray took the lead with a goal from Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen in the 40th minute after Fenerbahce missed a penalty, and earned their own spot-kick in the second half. Bariš Alper Yilmaz scored in the 67th minute, and Lucas Torreira added the third goal in the 83rd minute.
Fenerbace goalkeeper Ederson was sent off at 1-0.
Complaints regarding referees and their integrity are common in the Turkish Super League.
Jose Mourinho appointed as Fenerbahce manager Last season, he was suspended for four games by the federation for criticizing match officials.
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