10.02.2025 10:40
In the 23rd week of the Super League, a controversial penalty decision was made in the match between Galatasaray and Adana Demirspor. Adana Demirspor protested this decision by withdrawing from the field during the first half of the match. Former referees commented on the controversial penalty decision live on air. The referees stated that this decision was a clear mistake and an act of deception.
Adana Demirspor protested the referee's decisions and withdrew from the match against Galatasaray in the first half of the 23rd week of the Süper Lig. The Trio team commented on the penalty situation that influenced the decision.
The comments regarding the controversial penalty decision are as follows;
"A MISTAKE SO CLEAR IT CANNOT BE EXPLAINED"
Bülent Yıldırım: There are some decisions that are subjective. Turkey is divided; you say, 'the intervention here was sufficient, it was insufficient.' This is a mistake so clear it cannot be explained. Semih placed his foot on the ground for the ball, he did not extend it extra. After Mertens saved the ball, he will brush the tip of his foot and come and hit. He will deceive the referee. The referee called a penalty for this. If you can present evidence that proves the referee's decision is wrong during the VAR review, and if this situation is deception, you invite the referee to the monitor. This penalty should be canceled, and Mertens should be punished with a yellow card. For me, both the referee and VAR have failed. I see a very clear deception.
Bahattin Duran: If we ask referees in our country and abroad, what percentage do you think would say 'it's not a penalty'?
Bülent Yıldırım: Almost all of them.
Bahattin Duran: I say the same.
Bülent Yıldırım: Maybe Oğuzhan Çakır would vote 'penalty.'
"FOR ME, THIS IS A DECEPTION"
Bahattin Duran: This is so clear, for me this is a deception. Mertens is taking his foot. Semih placed his foot on the ground, Mertens twisted his ankle and hit his foot. For me, this is a clear deception. Here, Adana Demirspor should start with an indirect free kick. Mertens should also receive a yellow card. This is not a contact deception; it is not like that. The Galatasaray player is completely taking his foot to get the penalty, hitting, and deceiving the referee. This is a very good example of an action aimed at deceiving the referee. VAR must definitely be involved here. That's why I asked. What percentage do you think would say 'it's not a penalty'? The most criticized issue about Oğuzhan Çakır this season was that he does not make decisions inside the penalty area. If he does, it turns out to be wrong, but generally, he leaves the decision to VAR.
"PUT VAR IN THE BACKGROUND"
Deniz Çoban: Let's not overlook one thing; when a FIFA referee has such a clear view and is following the position from this angle, I expect him not to make such a decision. Undoubtedly, everything is in front of him. All conditions are met; it is not blocked, it is not far. If they asked, 'where do you want to watch this position from,' Oğuzhan Çakır would say, 'clear the areas, let my view be open.' When all conditions are met, it is unacceptable for the referee to make this decision. In UEFA, in seminars, and now in the training package, UEFA has put VAR in the background. When evaluating this, they do not discuss the incident through VAR. As long as we continue to look for solutions to our problems through VAR, we will continue to discuss these issues.
Bülent Yıldırım: As long as our diagnoses and choices are wrong, the disease reaches a stage where treatment becomes increasingly impossible.
Deniz Çoban: The referee on the field is the essential one; as long as he makes the decision, there is no room for discussion. The referee did not make the decision on the field; it was left to VAR. That is more serious. When VAR calls, he will say, 'Sir, I will show you that the player's foot is on the ground and there was no contact while there was distance between them.'