23.10.2026 09:20
An incident in the UEFA Europa League match, in which Beşiktaş drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace, sparked debate. Wilfred Ndidi's face was completely covered as the English team's striker Mateta pulled his shirt. The referee's failure to award a foul and show a card while the Nigerian player continued the challenge without being able to see ahead caused backlash.
In the 3rd week of the UEFA Europa League, Beşiktaş drew 2-2 at home with the English side Crystal Palace. In the match at Dolmabahçe, the duel between Wilfred Ndidi and Jean-Philippe Mateta became one of the most debated incidents of the game.
HIS SHIRT COMPLETELY COVERED HIS FACE
During the fiercely contested moments of the match, a remarkable struggle took place between Beşiktaş's Wilfred Ndidi and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Mateta, who pulled Ndidi's shirt as he tried to win the ball, caused the Nigerian player's line of sight to suddenly become blocked. As Ndidi's shirt rose up to his head, his face was completely covered.
HE CONTINUED THE STRUGGLE WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SEE AHEAD
Despite the incident, Ndidi did not give up the struggle and tried to hold off his opponent for several seconds without being able to see ahead. The moments when the Nigerian player's shirt completely covered his face became one of the most striking images left from the match.
THE REFEREE'S DECISION DREW REACTION
After the incident, the referee's decision not to award a foul and a yellow card brought controversy. In particular, play continuing even though Ndidi's shirt was pulled in a way that completely covered his face was criticized. The failure to award a foul in the incident and Mateta not receiving a card were at the center of reactions to the referee's decision.