Ilıcalı calls for foreign referees: 'The world's best referees ensure justice'

Fenerbahçe Vice President Acun Ilıcalı stated that they secured an important victory despite missing players after defeating Kasımpaşa 3-1 at Kadıköy in the 24th week of the Süper Lig.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Ilıcalı said, "The team has gained good momentum. Today, we managed to beat a tough opponent. I congratulate Kasımpaşa. I congratulate our players from the heart. I am very happy with our squad depth today. We had 8 players missing. If I count the bench, there are very few teams where they wouldn't be in the starting 11. This shows us that we have made the right investments, and this makes us very happy. If you look at the Fenerbahçe bench, you can see the squad depth. We are proud of all our players. I truly get emotional when I see the goal celebrations of the players on the sidelines. As the Fenerbahçe family, we have united. We are coming, and I hope this streak continues."

'THE WORLD'S BEST REFEREES CAN COME AND OFFICIATE'

Stating that there was no situation to discuss regarding the referee in the match, Acun Ilıcalı said the following about having a foreign referee officiate the derby against Galatasaray next week:

"Our president has made the necessary statement regarding the derby. Mr. İbrahim Hatipoğlu from the opposing team also said they were open to the idea of a foreign referee. Okan Buruk also said there was no problem with a foreign referee. A statement had also come from Maruf Güneş. The opposing team says 'we are open to it.' We also say 'we are open to it.' From here on, the discretion lies with our federation. The Turkish Football Federation will evaluate this issue. I think they will make the right decision. Our federation already has the power to bring in the best referees. A group of the world's best referees could come and officiate the derby match here very well. As we always say, we want justice. Our perspective on this issue is clear because we believe that the world's best referees will ensure that justice."

'WE ARE VERY DIFFERENT, VERY FAR AHEAD IN TURKEY'

Fenerbahçe Vice President Ilıcalı also congratulated the basketball team for winning the Turkish Cup:

"We send our love to our athletes for our successes in Olympic branches in athletics. It is not easy to be a Fenerbahçe fan. You start in the morning with one branch and watch until the evening with another; you watch and it never ends. We are experiencing this privilege. We are proud in this regard. I thank our president. We are doing well in football with this momentum, but we are also very different in other branches in Turkey. We are very far ahead."

News Source: 12punto