23.02.2026 23:23
It has been revealed that the VAR referee Davut Çelik, whom Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek said has not been on duty for 4 months, officiated in 11 matches in 2026.
Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek's statement about Davut Dakul Çelik, who served as the VAR referee in the Konyaspor match, saying "he hasn't officiated for 4 months" has sparked controversy.
HE CLAIMED HE WAS PREPARING FOR SPECIAL MATCHES
Özbek harshly criticized the MHK and TFF by claiming that the mentioned referee had not officiated in the Super League for a long time and was "preparing for special matches." However, the data that emerged showed that this claim did not reflect the truth.
HE OFFICIATED IN 11 MATCHES IN 2026
It was determined that Davut Dakul Çelik served as the main referee, VAR, or AVAR in 11 matches within the year 2026. An official statement from the TFF regarding this situation is expected in the coming days.
DURSUN ÖZBEK'S STATEMENTS
Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek spoke at the traditional iftar program of the 1905 Galatasaray Managers and Business People Association (1905 GSYİAD), stating, "Ramadan is the month of sharing, solidarity, brotherhood, as well as patience and justice. As Galatasaray, we have always been advocates of justice, rights, and labor. I regret to say that last night we encountered a refereeing management that shattered the sense of justice on the field. Consider that a goal we were denied in our match was awarded in another match today. The VAR, which was assigned to the position I mentioned in our match, has not been assigned to any Super League match for about 4 months. Why? Clearly, a referee preparing for special matches. I cannot think of anything else."