Italian Corriere dello Sport Exposes Controversial Referee Favoring Galatasaray

The high-circulation newspaper reported that referee Cihan Aydın is a passionate Galatasaray supporter and highlighted Fenerbahçe’s discomfort with this situation.

Here is the news published in the newspaper:

Referees, Still Controversy in Turkey: A “Fan” for Galatasaray

For the match against Hatayspor, a “peculiar” referee has been appointed: the backstory of an email from his daughter and a controversial phrase.

The controversy surrounding referees in Turkey shows no signs of slowing down. The referee appointments for the upcoming round of the league have only added fuel to the fire. While Halil Umut Meler has been assigned to Fenerbahçe’s clash with Adana Demirspor, Galatasaray’s match will be officiated by Cihan Aydin—a name that has enraged Fenerbahçe fans.

Why the uproar? Back in 2022, Aydin attended federation meetings remotely using his daughter’s email account. Strange? Perhaps, but that’s not the main issue. The email profile name was “Galatasaray is top,” a clear indication of support for the team currently leading the league. This move, seen as yet another provocation, has only intensified tensions. For months, Mourinho and Fenerbahçe have been vocal about these situations.

What’s more, Fenerbahçe previously raised serious complaints about Cihan Aydin’s officiating in their match against Antalyaspor, further fueling suspicions about his neutrality. In an already heated atmosphere, this decision appears to be either a deliberate provocation or, at the very least, a disregard for the growing discontent.