15.02.2025 16:20
Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç made a call for a foreign referee for the Galatasaray derby on February 24. Criticizing his eternal rival based on the number of cards received in the league and Europe, Koç stated, "Those who are confident and brave apply for a foreign referee to come to the derby."
Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç spoke about the Galatasaray derby, which will be played on February 24, at the Ordinary Meeting of the High Advisory Board in February. Koç called for a foreign referee for the derby against the yellow-reds.
G.CALL FOR A FOREIGN REFEREE FOR GALATASARAY: ONLY THE BRAVE WILL APPLY
Stating that they vehemently reject a system where there is no fair competition and labor is disregarded, Ali Koç said, "A distorted system... A team that has not received a red card at home for 3 years, competing knowing that their players will not receive cards, has played 11 matches in Europe. They have received 28 yellow cards and 3 red cards. Those who are confident and brave will apply for a foreign referee to come to the derby. When such tables exist, you do not want it. They have received 6 red cards in 94 league matches with their current referees. With the same referee, they have received 6 red cards in 25 matches in Europe. The result is 6 red cards each. That’s why you are succeeding here; the system is distorted," he expressed.
"A FOREIGN REFEREE SHOULD COME WITHOUT THE CLUBS' REQUEST"
After the meeting at the Faruk Ilgaz Facilities in Kalamış, Ali Koç continued his statements regarding the issue, addressing the claims that Galatasaray is against a foreign referee, saying, "If such a situation exists, I would see it as hypocrisy. It means they are not sincere in their statements. For the peace of Turkey and Turkish football, especially in this specific match, if the federation brings one of the first referees that comes to mind worldwide to protect Turkish referees, the discussions will end or at least be minimized. Since it is a match that affects the fate of the championship, the federation should bring a foreign referee without the clubs' request. Our request is clear and straightforward," he stated.
"EVERYONE WHO SEEKS JUSTICE WANTS A REFEREE WITHOUT QUESTION MARKS"
When asked about the statement of Ural Aküzüm, a member of the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors, regarding Turkish referees officiating matches until the end of the season, Ali Koç responded, "Ural Aküzüm's statement that there will be no foreign referees points to other issues. It was an unfortunate statement; he is responsible for women's football. It does not fall within his area of responsibility. If a statement is to be made regarding this issue, it should be made by the president, vice presidents, or the head of the MHK. It is extremely interesting, but considering the current conjuncture, it is not contrary to the ordinary course of life. Everyone who is confident in themselves, who believes in their abilities, and who seeks justice wants a name in this match that will not raise any question marks for anyone worldwide," he evaluated.