Controversy Over Kasımpaşa-Galatasaray Referee: Fethi Pekin Speaks Out

In his statement, Pekin said, “Is it possible for this referee, whose fan identity was coincidentally discovered by the Turkish football public, to officiate tomorrow’s match impartially? Is this situation fair?”

In the 26th week of the Trendyol Süper Lig, Galatasaray will face Kasımpaşa away.

Ahead of the match, Fenerbahçe Board Member Fethi Pekin published a statement on the club’s official website regarding the referee assigned to the game.

In his statement, Pekin said, “Recently in our league, a referee who attended a seminar under the nickname ‘En büyük Galatasaray’ (The Greatest Galatasaray) will officiate Galatasaray’s match in the 26th week of the Süper Lig tomorrow. Based on this fact, we ask the public: Is it possible for this referee, whose fan identity was coincidentally discovered by the Turkish football community, to officiate tomorrow’s match impartially? Is this situation fair? Is such a scenario possible in any league in the world?”

Pekin also added, “What is the response of the so-called justice-seeking executives of this club to the shocking confession of former player Ryan Babel, who once wore their jersey, stating, ‘Referees helped us, and we secured the three points’? In an environment where even a referee who officiated a UEFA Champions League final—one of the world’s most elite referees—is debated for days, I present these questions, based on facts, to the attention of the entire public.”

The Kasımpaşa-Galatasaray match in the 26th week of the Süper Lig will be officiated by Cihan Aydın.