Drama in Istanbul derby: Galatasaray beats Besiktas 2-1 as referee mistakes dominate game
Victor Osimhen (45) of Galatasaray celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during the Turkish Super Lig week 10 football match between Galatasaray and Besiktas at RAMS Park in Istanbul, Türkiye, October 28, 2024. (AA Photo)
The 10th week of the Turkish Super Lig featured the highly anticipated Galatasaray – Besiktas derby. Host team Galatasaray emerged victorious from this critical match, securing a 2-1 win.
In the 13th minute, Davinson Sanchez headed in a free kick taken by Gabriel Sara from the right side, putting Galatasaray ahead on the scoreboard.
Victor Osimhen doubled the lead in the 67th minute, scoring with a header from another assist by Sara.
In injury time, 90+4, Besiktas’ Ernest Muci scored a stunning goal to narrow the gap to 2-1, but no further goals were scored in the remaining minutes.
Referee mistakes dominate the game in Istanbul derby
In the 27th minute of the match, all eyes turned to referee Arda Kardesler as Galatasaray’s Mauro Icardi fell to the ground after a challenge.
However, after consulting with VAR official Onur Ozu Toprak, Kardesler decided to let play continue. This decision prompted a notable reaction from Galatasaray’s head coach, Okan Buruk.
Additionally, as Icardi sprinted for a ball played behind the defense by Yunus Akgun, he collided with Besiktas defender Felix Uduokhai and went down, expecting a penalty.
Following this incident, attention shifted back to referee Kardesler. After hearing from VAR official Ozu Toprak and receiving no recommendation to review the play, Kardesler resumed the match.
Once play resumed, Galatasaray’s coach Buruk couldn’t hide his frustration. He gestured towards Kardesler, indicating “You didn’t give it again,” expressing his discontent with the officiating.
Besiktas frustrated with referee Kardesler
Similarly, Besiktas’s head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst also expressed frustration with referee Arda Kardesler during the match.
In the early minutes, Ciro Immobile went down after a challenge with Davinson Sanchez, claiming that Sanchez had elbowed him.
In the 22nd minute, after Sanchez fouled Joao Mario, the Besiktas players expected a card, but Kardesler opted to restart the game with a free kick.
A significant moment occurred in the 30th minute when Besiktas created a threatening opportunity, but Rafa Silva fell to the ground after a duel with Sanchez. Van Bronckhorst rose from the bench in anger to protest the lack of a foul call.
Silva remained on the ground for an extended period before medical staff attended to him, and he eventually returned to the game.
Galatasaray gains advantage
The derby concluded with Galatasaray’s 2-1 advantage. Over the past nine weeks of the Turkish Super Lig, Galatasaray, with 28 points from one draw, sits at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Besiktas, with six wins and two draws from eight matches, faced off against Galatasaray in this tenth week.
With this victory, the yellow-reds increased their points gap over their closest rival, Samsunspor, to six. Both Besiktas and Fenerbahce finished the week with 20 points.
