08.08.2025 14:53
Shakhtar Donetsk's head coach Arda Turan reacted to the refereeing after the match against Panathinaikos. Speaking after the match ended in a 0-0 draw, Turan said, "Right now, neither UEFA nor the referee can help. If there is an injustice in life, I believe it should always be openly discussed. That's why I cannot accept this. In my opinion, it was a clear penalty."
In the first match of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, Shakhtar Donetsk drew 0-0 away against Panathinaikos. After the first match of the two-legged tie, in which the winner will face Samsunspor, the head coach of the Ukrainian representative, Arda Turan, opened his mouth and closed his eyes.
"I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THE SCORE"
After the match, Arda Turan reacted to the refereeing. Turan said, "I am not satisfied with the score, but I am pleased with the game. We started with simple ball losses, but afterwards we took control of the ball and dominated. We respected our opponent Panathinaikos's strategy and knew they would be dangerous from set pieces and quick transitions. Indeed, such moments occurred during the match. In the second half, we played the football we wanted to see. We controlled the ball and the entire match. When you play against an opponent like Panathinaikos, you must make the right moves at critical moments. I think we made a few mistakes in this regard. Overall, I am satisfied with the course of the game, but we need to show more hunger to score when we get into the penalty area; we need to feel that. Because this kind of game requires it. Sometimes we may have been too calm in the penalty area, but it is important to understand the value of bringing the ball to the last moment. Maybe there is no tactic for this, but we will think about how we can improve it. We will work on it. I am pleased with my players' performance. It is not easy to endure all these flights and play a match every three days. Our vision is one team, one family. And we will continue on this path. I am proud of my players," he said.
"I CANNOT ACCEPT THIS"
Continuing his statements, the successful coach said, "There is a difference between just refereeing and truly feeling the game. If a player is pushed from behind while running at 30 km/h, the primary concern should be that player's health. If VAR is not for such moments, then I don't know what it is for. Of course, it is not our job to judge the referee or VAR's decisions, but I lost one of my players, Eguinaldo, and I am very sad about it. Right now, neither UEFA nor the referee can help. If there is an injustice in life, I believe it should always be spoken about openly. That is why I cannot accept this. I lost one of my players, and I don't know how long it has been. To me, it was a clear penalty. The referee and VAR officials have an explanation. I spoke with the referee, but I did not fully understand what he meant," he expressed.