Istanbul, Turkey – A frustrating evening for Galatasaray MCT Technic culminated in a 93-90 loss to Türk Telekom in the Turkish Insurance Basketball Super League on Thursday, March 5, 2026, but the scoreline only tells part of the story. The match was marred by the ejections of both Galatasaray head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco and key player James Palmer Jr., sparking calls for the resignation of the Turkish Basketball Federation Referee Committee Chairman, Recep Ankaralı.
The drama unfolded quickly in the third quarter. Palmer, already carrying one unsportsmanlike foul, received his second just seven seconds into the period while the score favored Türk Telekom 50-42, resulting in his immediate disqualification. Just ten seconds later, Pozzecco was ejected after vehemently protesting a call, reportedly advancing onto the court to confront the officials. The double ejection significantly hampered Galatasaray’s ability to compete, though they fought valiantly to close the gap.
The incident prompted an immediate and forceful response from Galatasaray, who took to social media during the game to demand Ankaralı’s resignation with the simple, direct message: “Recep Ankaralı İstifa!” – “Recep Ankaralı Resign!” This public rebuke underscores the growing frustration within the club regarding officiating decisions and their impact on games.
Türk Telekom controlled the first quarter, leading 22-21, and extended their advantage to 49-42 by halftime. Despite the setbacks in the third quarter, Galatasaray attempted a comeback, but ultimately fell short against a determined Türk Telekom side. The win marked Türk Telekom’s 13th victory of the season, while Galatasaray suffered their ninth defeat.
James Palmer Jr., a 29-year-old American guard, has been a key contributor for Galatasaray since joining the team in 2024. Prior to his time in Turkey, Palmer played for Türk Telekom during the 2023-2024 season, as well as stints with JL Bourg, Stal Ostrów Wielkopolski, and the Agua Caliente Clippers. He initially went undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft after a collegiate career at both Miami (Florida) and Nebraska. He was named to the All-FIBA Champions League First Team in 2025, highlighting his impact on the European basketball scene.
Pozzecco’s ejection adds another layer of complexity to Galatasaray’s season. The Italian coach has been praised for his passionate leadership, but his quick temper has occasionally landed him in hot water with officials. The team will need to regroup quickly and discover a way to navigate the challenges ahead without their head coach and a key player for at least the immediate future.
The Turkish Insurance Basketball Super League is known for its competitive nature and passionate fan base. Incidents like this one are not uncommon, but the public call for a referee committee chairman’s resignation is a significant escalation. It remains to be seen what repercussions, if any, will follow from Galatasaray’s actions and whether Ankaralı will respond to the demands for his removal.
Galatasaray will need to address the fallout from this game quickly as they prepare for their next challenge. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and maintain focus will be crucial as they continue to pursue a playoff berth. The incident raises questions about the team’s discipline and composure under pressure, areas they will need to address in practice.
The loss to Türk Telekom, combined with the ejections and the subsequent call for resignation, represents a demanding moment for Galatasaray. The club’s response in the coming days will be closely watched by fans and observers alike. The focus now shifts to how the team can move forward and regain its momentum in the highly competitive Turkish Basketball Super League.
What’s Next: Galatasaray will face [Opponent and Date to be confirmed – information not available in sources]. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on this developing story and comprehensive coverage of the Turkish Basketball Super League.
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