Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has launched a scathing attack on referee Yasin Kol ahead of Saturday’s Istanbul derby against Fenerbahçe, accusing Turkish football authorities of deliberately appointing an official without FIFA credentials to officiate the high-stakes match.
Speaking at Galatasaray’s Annual Ordinary Budget Meeting held at the Haliç Congress Centre on Saturday morning, Özbek did not mince his words when addressing the controversy surrounding Kol’s appointment to oversee the derby.
“FIFA kokartı olmayan, saha içindeki duruşu tartışmalı bir hakemi bu maça atayarak sinir uçlarımızla oynuyorlar,” Özbek declared, using a Turkish idiom that translates to “they are playing with our nerves.”
The Galatasaray president emphasized that Kol lacks the FIFA badge typically required for referees officiating top-tier matches, questioning the legitimacy of his appointment for such a significant fixture.
“Bu hakem, bu derbiye göre bir hakem değil. FIFA kokartı yok. Diğer FIFA kokartlı hakemler dururken bu hakemin atanmasını Türkiye sorguluyor,” Özbek stated, adding that Galatasaray shares these concerns.
The controversy stems from Kol’s appointment to referee the Trendyol Süper Lig’s 31st-week match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, scheduled to take place at Rams Park Stadium. Özbek pointed out that Kol has been involved in contentious decisions throughout the season, further fueling the criticism.
“Her gün nelerle mücadele ettiğimizi anlamanızı istiyorum. Maçımıza yapılan hakem atamasına bakın,” Özbek urged fans and observers to scrutinize the referee selection process.
Despite the criticism, Özbek expressed confidence in his team’s ability to overcome the perceived obstacle and secure a positive result in the derby.
“Yarın Ali Sami Yen’de çok önemli bir maça çıkacağız. İnanıyorum ki hocamız ve oyuncularımız bu maçtan iyi bir sonuçla ayrılacak ve bizi 26. şampiyonluğa yaklaştıracaklar,” he said, referencing Galatasaray’s pursuit of a record-extending 26th league title.
The Galatasaray president framed the criticism as part of a broader pattern of resistance to the club’s recent success, suggesting that rivals are unsettled by Galatasaray’s resurgence under his leadership.
“Galatasaray’a yapılan saldırıların hepsinin üstesinden geldik. Zannetmeyin ki bu ilk defa oluyor…. Öyle bir seviyeye geldik ki birçok mihrak bu yükselişten rahatsız. Biz bu tip davranış biçimlerin ve saldırıların hepsinin üstesinden gelmeyi bildik,” Özbek asserted, referencing the club’s recent achievements including three consecutive championships and strategic transfers that have revived their European ambitions.
Özbek maintained that external pressures and criticisms would not affect Galatasaray’s objectives, insisting the club remains focused on sustaining its elevated performance levels.
“Amacımız bu seviyelerde kalıcı olmak. Bu yıl Avrupa’daki performansımızı daha da ileri taşıyacağımıza inanıyorum,” he stated, outlining the club’s ambition to establish lasting competitiveness both domestically and in European competitions.
The Galatasaray president acknowledged that success invites scrutiny and jealousy, but emphasized the club’s resilience in overcoming such challenges.
“Üç yıldan beri verdiğimiz mücadeleye bugün de devam ediyoruz. Başarılarımız kıskanılmakta ve bu kıskançlık kulübümüzü hedef haline getiriyor. Emin olun önümüzdeki sene bu seneden de zor olacak,” Özbek warned, anticipating intensified competition in the coming seasons.
As Galatasaray prepares to face Fenerbahçe in what promises to be a pivotal match in the title race, the controversy surrounding referee Yasin Kol’s appointment adds an extra layer of tension to an already heated rivalry.
The derby, set to take place at Rams Park Stadium, represents a crucial opportunity for Galatasaray to strengthen their position at the top of the Trendyol Süper Lig table as they chase their 26th championship title.
For continued updates on the Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby and all the latest developments in Turkish football, stay tuned to Archysport. Share your thoughts on the referee controversy in the comments below.
