23.04.2026 17:02
Former referee and sports commentator Ahmet Çakar spoke after Yasin Kol was appointed to the Galatasaray - Fenerbahçe derby. Criticizing the appointment of Yasin Kol, Ahmet Çakar said, 'Yasin Kol has been appointed to the derby. Whether he manages it well or poorly, regardless of these concepts, if in a football country, a referee without a FIFA badge, meaning one who does not have the right to officiate matches in Europe, handles 6 of the last 8 derbies, then as of today, refereeing in that country is finished.'
The appointment of referee Yasin Kol for the Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby to be played in the 31st week of the Süper Lig has caused a reaction from former referee and sports commentator Ahmet Çakar.
"TURKISH REFEREEING IS OVER!"
Stating that a wrong appointment was made, Ahmet Çakar said, "Yasin Kol has been appointed to the derby. Whether he manages it well or badly, regardless of these concepts, if in a football country, a referee who does not have a FIFA badge, meaning no right to officiate matches in Europe, has managed 6 out of the last 8 derbies, and if other FIFA referees are considered not to be at that capacity, then from today onward, that country's refereeing is over. Of course, let no one ask, 'Why is there no Turkish referee at the World Cup?'"
''WHAT WILL THE MIRROR TELL YOU?''
Addressing FIFA-badged referee Halil Umut Meler, Ahmet Çakar said, "My son Halil Umut Meler, if you have character, ask yourself this question when you look in the mirror: 'I am the top FIFA referee in Turkey. I officiate matches in Europe, good or bad, but why can't I referee the derby?' Let's see what the mirror will tell you?"
"THE MIRROR WILL SAY..."
Continuing his remarks, Çakar commented, "Turkish referees, you took a punch from the Ankaragücü president and then went out for a match the next week as if nothing had happened... You deserve everything. What happens to you is even too little; in fact, these are your better days."