Controversial Statement from Besiktas on Galatasaray: “Swing” Debate Escalates
Following their loss to Galatasaray, Besiktas board member Huseyin Yucel criticized the refereeing in the derby and Galatasaray’s post-match behavior. “Our rival, who last season made the swing blunder, has once again made a mistake this year. Strangely, our rival hasn’t been able to step off the ‘swing’ of the Refereeing Committee (MHK) and Turkish Football Federation (TFF),” said Yucel.
In a much-anticipated match in the 10th week of the Trendyol Super Lig, Galatasaray hosted their historic rival Besiktas at Rams Park, with Galatasaray winning 2-1.
Besiktas Officials’ Statements
Besiktas officials Feyyaz Ucar and Hüseyin Yucel spoke post-match. Ucar commented, “There was contact on Rafa Silva’s shin that warranted a red card. It’s surprising that VAR didn’t intervene. TFF President said he would not tolerate VAR’s inaction. Davinson Sanchez finally saw a yellow card in the 63rd minute after three fouls. It’s unfair. Turkish football suffers because teams trying to play suffer. Coaches, players, and committees change in Turkey, but referees don’t. It’s time for referee changes.”
Reaction to Galatasaray’s Post
Hüseyin Yucel criticized Galatasaray’s social media post-match celebration, saying, “Our rival couldn’t celebrate respectfully again, especially on social media. They’re still on the swing of MHK and TFF. If we can’t bring in foreign referees, then please, don’t assign hardened referees to our matches. At least young referees would make genuine errors. We know these experienced ones have their minds elsewhere.”
Continuing, Yucel said, “Besiktas was the side fighting and deserving. I believe we’ll be at the top come season’s end. Even if we don’t win the title, we won’t complain, but we’d accept it if young referees made mistakes. Seeing blatant bias disturbs us.”
Condemning an Attack on a Sports Journalist
Yucel also addressed an attack on a sports journalist after the game, speaking on Beyaz TV: “I wish a speedy recovery to our journalist friend. Such an incident is unacceptable. I condemn this. After the press conference, Feyyaz Hoca, Onur Gocmez, and I left, but we learned of this attack on Sezgin. I spoke to Hasan Arat, who is informed. The driver involved has surrendered to the police.”
4o
