Turkish Super Lig Clash Suspended After Controversial Penalty Decision

Adana Demirspor left the pitch in protest during the first half of their Turkish Super Lig clash against league leaders Galatasaray on Sunday, following a disputed penalty decision.

Early Penalty Sparks Chaos

The 12th-minute penalty, converted by new Galatasaray signing Alvaro Morata, gave the hosts an early lead. Moments later, Adana Demirspor manager Mustafa Alper Avcı called his players over for a brief discussion. In a stunning move, the entire team walked off the pitch and headed to the dressing room, prompting the referee to also leave the field.

Shortly after, it was officially announced that the match had been suspended.

Adana Demirspor: “Not Against Galatasaray, But the Referees”

Adana Demirspor vice president Metin Korkmaz clarified that their protest was directed at the referee board, not Galatasaray.

Club president Murat Sancak later confirmed that the penalty decision was the reason for his instruction to withdraw, insisting:

“We were 99% going to lose today anyway.”

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) is now set to make a final ruling on the match.

Galatasaray & Fenerbahce Clash Over Controversy

Following the incident, Fenerbahce—Galatasaray’s biggest rivals—took to social media with a strong statement:

“Thanks to you, there is no trust or justice left! But you are always the most innocent and victimized! Congratulations on what you have done to Turkish football!”

Galatasaray vice president Metin Ozturk dismissed the criticism, arguing:

“If teams withdraw after every unfair penalty, the league will end in the fourth week.”

Turkish Football’s Refereeing Crisis Continues

This is not the first time a Super Lig match has been disrupted due to refereeing disputes.

• Last season, Istanbulspor also left the pitch in protest during a match against Trabzonspor.
• Refereeing standards have been a long-standing issue in Turkey, leading to foreign officials being used for VAR reviews.
• In a shocking incident last season, referee Halil Umut Meler was punched by MKE Ankaragücü president Faruk Koca.

Sancak dismissed speculation that Fenerbahce president Ali Koc was behind the decision, stating:

“Neither Ali Koc nor the richest man in Turkey can buy me.”

What’s Next?

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) will decide the fate of the match.
Will Adana Demirspor face sanctions for their protest?