Acun Ilıcalı Criticizes Galatasaray Management: “Clowns Dragging Turkish Football into Chaos!”
Fenerbahçe Vice President Acun Ilıcalı made remarks addressing current topics. While harshly criticizing Galatasaray's management, Ilıcalı conveyed well wishes to Barış Alper and Icardi and gave strong responses to match-fixing allegations.
Highlights from Acun Ilıcalı’s Statements:
“An Arrogant Galatasaray Official!”
“Is there any point in discussing the derby referee four days later? I wish Barış Alper a speedy recovery. For us, the health of our players is of utmost importance. But we know the approach from the other side when our players faced life-threatening situations. When there’s a referee mistake, we acknowledge it. We will continue to stand for justice, not privilege. However, for a Galatasaray official to accuse our club and associate the incident with Fenerbahçe is unacceptable.
The same player who dived last year to cost us the championship is now allegedly involved in a conspiracy. They’re claiming he intentionally didn’t play in our match and then deliberately caused an injury. Suggesting match-fixing in this scenario is absurd. When it’s time to discuss openly, they disappear—typical behavior.”
“Clowns Making Statements Are Dragging Turkish Football into Chaos!”
“There are serious accusations, but no evidence. Claims like, ‘You met at a mansion,’ or ‘I heard so and so.’ Now it’s, ‘Did they send the player intentionally?’ I call on Galatasaray: Your officials represent your club. A Galatasaray official has disgracefully implied match-fixing involving us. Have you ever seen such a shameless statement or vile accusation? As long as such clowns speak, Turkish football will be dragged into chaos!”
“We Want Justice!”
“We protest injustice, and you accuse us of match-fixing. We demand justice, and you bring baseless allegations. It’s like moving from a theater play to a Hollywood movie. To those who accuse us: shame on you.
For us, every player’s well-being matters, even if it doesn’t seem to matter to others. When our players are injured, we remain dignified. This doesn’t mean we will compromise on our stance. Every footballer is valuable to us. Our criticism of Galatasaray is not personal against their players. I also wish Icardi a speedy recovery.”
“Anyone Implying Match-Fixing Is Dishonorable!”
Responding to Metin Öztürk’s accusations, Ilıcalı stated:
“I openly say that anyone accusing us of match-fixing is dishonorable. People need to know their limits when tarnishing someone’s reputation. I hope these vile actions come to an end. To Galatasaray officials: Hold a meeting among yourselves and ensure such absurd statements are kept in check. Don’t pollute Turkish football!”
“Nobody Wins a Championship Without Dropping Points”
“I don’t believe our fans think the championship is lost. They believe in us. As I’ve always said, no team wins a championship without dropping points. The league is a long marathon.”
“We Trust Our Team”
Regarding the Bilbao match, Ilıcalı remarked:
“We’ve drawn a tough opponent in the European competitions. But our team is performing admirably and representing our country well. This is a crucial match for us. We trust our coach and players, as always. Hopefully, we’ll achieve a result that makes our country proud. We are competitive in every tournament and will fight to the end.”
