17.02.2025 16:00
Former referee Bünyamin Gezer made striking statements about the referee of the highly anticipated Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby. Gezer said, "I see a very high possibility of a Western European referee. However, a German foreign referee is not wanted. If it’s a Turkish referee, it would be Halil Umut Meler or Atilla Karaoğlan. I also know that Meler does not want to officiate the derby. Atilla Karaoğlan would also be a backup option."
Former referee and TRT Spor commentator Bünyamin Gezer made striking claims about the referee who will officiate the Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby, which has been long debated, in the 25th week of the Trendyol Super League.
"GERMAN REFEREE IS NOT WANTED"
Gezer stated that he sees a very high probability of the derby referee being from Western Europe, saying, "However, a German foreign referee is not wanted because there are many expatriate citizens there, and they think he might have close friends, which is why they are not warm towards it. This could be a valid reason."
"MELER IS NOT WANTED, KARAOĞLAN IS A POSSIBILITY"
Speaking about the possibility of the referee being Turkish, Bünyamin Gezer said, "If the referee of the derby is Turkish, it would be Halil Umut Meler or Atilla Karaoğlan. Halil Umut Meler's name stands out, but I also know that Halil Umut Meler does not want to officiate the derby. Atilla Karaoğlan is also a possibility," he stated.
"DON'T THROW MEHMET TÜRKMEN INTO THE FIRE"
The former referee concluded, "Mehmet Türkmen is a very young referee, very prone to making mistakes. I wouldn't throw him into the fire by assigning him to such a derby. He has potential, but we haven't seen that light in him yet. Additionally, I received information that Mehmet Türkmen did not pass the FIFA fitness test. I definitely would not assign Mehmet Türkmen to this match. If Mehmet Türkmen is assigned to this match, other rumors may arise."