Super Eagles midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin has hit out at the referee who sent him off during Rizespor’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Süper Lig on Sunday night.
Rizespor started the game in dominant fashion, racing to a two-goal lead courtesy of Ali Sowe, with Olawoyin providing the assist for the opening goal.
However, the game took a controversial turn when the Nigerian midfielder picked up an early yellow card before being adjudged to have committed a foul in the box just before half-time.
The referee brandished a second yellow, reducing Rizespor to 10 men and awarding a penalty to Fenerbahçe. Edin Džeko stepped up to convert, halving the deficit before the break.
Rizespor’s troubles deepened in the second half, when they were reduced to nine men following another expulsion. Fenerbahçe capitalized on their numerical advantage, scoring twice more to complete a 3-2 comeback win.
The officiating sparked widespread debate in Turkey, with Olawoyin among those voicing their displeasure.
Olawoyin unhappy with his red card against Fenerbahçe
“The red card was a very funny decision. I fell on the first card, but it was not a deceptive move,” Olawoyin said.
“The second yellow was not a penalty. You give a penalty and a red card, so why don’t you look at [Sofyan] Amrabat’s move then?” he queried.
His frustration was echoed by Galatasaray officials, who also criticized the referee’s decisions, hinting at favouritism towards Fenerbahçe.
Galatasaray currently leads the league with 54 points, three ahead of second-placed Fenerbahçe, who have played a game more. Meanwhile, Rizespor sit 10th on the table with 25 points.
