Galatasaray critiques Fenerbahçe and marks Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s birthday

Galatasaray secured a 2-1 victory over Fenerbahçe during the ninth week of the Trendyol Süper Lig, prompting a sharp wave of digital reactions from the winning club directed at both their arch-rivals and former player Kerem Aktürkoğlu.

International Social Media Barbs Target Pitch Friction

Utilizing its English-language X account, Galatasaray issued a bulleted critique targeting Fenerbahçe’s playing style and on-pitch altercations during the derby. The club’s international feed stated that their opponents showed no intention to play football, claimed they were fortunate the scoreline ended at 2-1, and characterized the visiting side as being focused solely on creating chaos. The international post concluded by labeling Fenerbahçe as sore losers, summarizing the encounter with the remark that every year brings a different desperate spectacle at Ali Sami Yen with the same ultimate result.

The Digital Silence Surrounding Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s Birthday

While the international account focused on match friction—including a remark that Roland Sallai could not be intimidated even with words—Galatasaray’s Turkish-language social media channel turned its attention to Kerem Aktürkoğlu. The club published a visual featuring a Harry Potter hat accompanied by the song “Boynu Bükükler” by Küçük Emrah. This post served as a pointed reference to Fenerbahçe’s decision not to publish a birthday message for Aktürkoğlu on their official social media platforms, as the player turned 28 on October 21.

Locker Room Support Amidst Ongoing Supporter Scrutiny

Fenerbahçe’s omission of a birthday post stemmed from an effort to shield the player from a resurgence of negative supporter comments, following turbulence during their UEFA Champions League fixture against Slavia Prag on October 20. During that match, which ended in a 2-2 draw after the team surrendered a two-goal lead, Aktürkoğlu was whistled by a section of the crowd upon being substituted in the 82nd minute, responding with applause before leaving the pitch. Despite the club’s official silence, several teammates reached out publicly. Mert Hakan Yandaş shared a birthday message wishing him good years in a Fenerbahçe shirt accompanied by yellow and blue hearts. Similar messages of support came from teammates İsmail Yüksek, İrfan Can Kahveci, Levent Mercan, Milan Skriniar, and Nelson Semedo.

Aktürkoğlu Joins Fenerbahçe After Spells at Benfica and Galatasaray

The public displays show that club dynamics have changed, given that Mert Hakan Yandaş and Kerem Aktürkoğlu had previously clashed during a derby when Aktürkoğlu still represented Galatasaray. Aktürkoğlu later moved to Benfica in September 2024 before completing a transfer to Fenerbahçe on September 1, 2025, binding him to the club through June 30, 2029, according to Turkish Football Federation records. Having started his professional career through lower divisions including Gölcükspor, Hisareynspor, Başakşehir, Bodrum FK, Karacabey Belediyespor, and Erzincanspor, the player established himself in the Süper Lig with Galatasaray before his European and cross-town moves.

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