18.02.2026 15:56
The additional 2 minutes of stoppage time added to the second half of the Champions League match between Galatasaray and Juventus sparked significant controversy. Despite 4 goals, 1 red card, and numerous player substitutions, the allotted time was criticized as insufficient. Referee Danny Makkelie’s decision became a subject of criticism, particularly in the international press.
The second half of the Galatasaray–Juventus match, which had only 2 minutes of added time, sparked significant controversy. Despite 4 goals, 1 red card, and numerous player substitutions, criticisms arose regarding the inadequacy of the time given.
In the Champions League Round of 16 playoff match between Galatasaray and Juventus, referee Danny Makkelie’s decision to add only 2 minutes of stoppage time in the second half resonated widely in the football community.
During the second half of the match, a total of 9 player substitutions were made, 4 goals were scored, 1 red card was issued, and the game was frequently interrupted due to injuries in the final moments. Despite all these stoppages, the determination of only 2 minutes of added time became a subject of criticism, especially in the international press.
HARSH REACTION FROM COLIN MILLAR
The Athletic reporter Colin Millar expressed his reaction to the decision on his social media account. Millar highlighted the stoppages in the second half and stated:
"In the second half of the match between Galatasaray and Juventus, there were 4 goals, 1 red card, and 8 player substitutions. Nevertheless, the referees only added 2 minutes (!) of stoppage time. This is a two-legged tie, and a crucial 4-5 minutes of playing time was essentially lost."
"THIS INCONSISTENCY IS REALLY CRAZY"
Millar, who argued that there is a lack of standards in stoppage times, also emphasized the consistency of referee decisions. The experienced journalist suggested that decisions sometimes shape according to the flow of the match and made the following assessment:
"For a sport that is so obsessed with applying the rules, this inconsistency in stoppage time is really crazy. I often feel that the decisions are completely made up on the spot and given out of pity for teams that are a few goals behind. This is understandable, but it is completely inconsistent with how matches are managed. This is very ridiculous in a two-legged knockout round!"
Referee Danny Makkelie’s decision reignited discussions about game management in organizations like the Champions League, where every second is critically important, especially in a two-legged knockout format.