Besiktas’s Reacts: “Open Letter to the Referees Committee”

Beşiktaş has issued a reaction to the Referees Committee (MHK) regarding the decisions in Süper Lig matches, publishing an open letter. Here is Beşiktaş’s statement:

“We are at the beginning of the season, and we see that the longstanding inconsistencies in the referees’ decisions regarding fouls, cards, and penalties have unfortunately continued this season as well. We are expressing our concerns now and making our warning!

Is it a coincidence that Beşiktaş receives the most yellow cards per foul? Should we accept it as normal that our players receive a yellow card for every 4 fouls, while rivals get a yellow card for every 8 or 53 fouls? Do you think you can explain this statistic at UEFA and FIFA seminars?

Referees, who scrutinize our players’ fouls, somehow fail to find the cruel fouls committed against us convincing. We haven’t forgotten anything from last season!

In the Beşiktaş-Antalyaspor match, in the 9th minute, Rafa Silva is fouled by an opponent and the referee only gives a warning instead of a yellow card. The same player is again fouled harshly in the 58th minute, and once more the referee opts for just a warning instead of a card.

In the 60th minute of the same match, Rafa Silva receives a serious and intentional kick leading to a potential injury, and the referee only shows a yellow card. Yes, just a yellow card.

VAR intervenes a minute later, reviewing the situation and determining that the brutal kick should have been a red card.

In the Trabzonspor-Beşiktaş match, in the 9th minute, Edin Višća delivers a severe and intentional kick to Rafa Silva’s Achilles tendon, and the referee merely issues a warning despite the clear visibility of the foul. VAR eventually shows a red card.

In the 45+2 minute, Ciro Immobile is persistently pulled down by Savic in the penalty area, but both the referee and VAR somehow fail to notice this.

We are not pleased with opponents being sent off with red cards, and we have never needed or will need the referees’ support. We simply seek justice! Be fair, make decisions without fear, and protect Turkish Football!”