Beşiktaş manager Sergen Yalçın has criticised the officiating in Saturday night’s heated Istanbul derby, insisting that Victor Osimhen should have been dismissed during the clash with Galatasaray.
The encounter ended in disappointment for Beşiktaş, whose run of four consecutive victories came to an end after a narrow 1–0 defeat to the reigning champions.
Osimhen proved to be the difference between the two sides, scoring the only goal of the match in the first half.
The Nigerian striker had earlier been cautioned in the sixth minute following a collision with Beşiktaş goalkeeper Ersin Destanoğlu.
Despite already being on a yellow card, the forward later kicked the ball away after play had been stopped — an action that could have resulted in a second booking. However, the referee chose not to issue another card.
Yalçın expressed frustration with the decision, arguing that the officiating team, including the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), failed to act appropriately.
“The referee on the pitch might miss it, but that’s exactly why VAR exists,” Yalçın said. “In my opinion, Sané should have been shown a red card around the 20th minute, and Osimhen also deserved a second yellow. Situations like this affect how the match unfolds.”
Nigeria’s national team captain Wilfred Ndidi was also involved in the tense contest, featuring for Beşiktaş throughout the derby.
The result strengthened Galatasaray’s position while ending Beşiktaş’ impressive recent run of form.
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