Galatasaray-Adana Demirspor penalty controversy leads to TFF firing VAR referee
Adana Demirspor withdraws from the field in the Turkish Super Lig week 23 match between Galatasaray and Adana Demirspor at RAMS Park, in Istanbul, Türkiye, Feb. 9, 2025. (AA Photo)
Following a controversial penalty decision in the Galatasaray-Adana Demirspor match, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has taken action.
The decision was deemed incorrect due to Danish VAR referee Jakob Sundberg’s misguidance of the on-field referee. As a result, Sundberg’s contract has been terminated.
The match between Galatasaray and Adana Demirspor in the 23rd week of the Trendyol Super Lig took place on Sunday, Feb. 9, at RAMS Park.
Controversial penalty incident
A penalty was awarded by referee Oguzan Cakir after a clash between Semih and Mertens. The decision was made following a review by VAR referee Jakob Sundberg.
According to reports, Sundberg determined Semih had interfered with Mertens while he was attempting to play the ball, resulting in a penalty.
Cakır then pointed to the penalty spot, which led to controversy as the decision was met with dissatisfaction by the visiting team.
After the penalty, which was converted into a goal, Adana Demirspor made the decision to withdraw from the game in the 30th minute, leaving the match unfinished.
Danish referee’s contract terminated
In response to the controversy, the chairman of TFF, Ibrahim Hacıosmanoglu, and the chairman of the Refereeing Committee, Ferhat Gundogdu, decided to suspend the young referee for a few weeks.
Additionally, VAR referee Jakob Sundberg’s contract was swiftly canceled following the decision.
