Controversial referee Arda Kardeşler breaks his silence! 'After the match...'

Arda Kardeşler, who became the center of attention due to his decisions during the Trabzonspor - Gaziantep FK match played in the 6th week of the Süper Lig, broke his silence to HT Spor. Kardeşler expressed that he felt deeply saddened by the remarks made by TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu.

"I WAS VERY UPSET AFTER THE MATCH"

Arda Kardeşler made the following statements:

"I listened to the statements our TFF President made on television after the match with great sadness. The position is clear; I did make a mistake, but this was not the first mistake I have made. Mistakes happen in every match, on the field. However, for our Federation President to say that this position was not a mistake and to claim that there was a planned action behind it has made me a target for 3 days. I am very upset."

"LET THIS PLANNED ACTION BE EXPLAINED"

Stating that the allegations against him have worn him down, Kardeşler continued with these words:

"I want this so-called planned action to be clarified. Honestly, I do not want to live under this suspicion. I am currently a target. For him to say 'It is not a mistake, it is a planned action' is very hurtful and upsetting for me."

"I WISH HE HAD CONTACTED ME AFTER THE MATCH"

Touching upon the communication established with referees, Kardeşler directed this grievance toward Hacıosmanoğlu:

"Since he took office, his communication with us has been very good. We are in constant contact. Regarding this specific issue, I wish he had contacted me after the match before connecting to the broadcast. He didn't, that's fine. I wish he had called and asked me about this, what happened, and what it was, so I could have clearly expressed my feelings to him and we could have informed the public more transparently about the incident that occurred."

"I WISH MY FAMILY HAD BEEN CONSIDERED"

Recounting his meeting with Central Referee Board (MHK) President Ferhat Gündoğdu, Arda Kardeşler concluded his words as follows:

"He also approached the situation like an older brother, he was moderate. It is very hurtful to suggest that this was a planned action. I am transparent, I am here, and if there is such a planned action, I want it to be explained. I wish that while this statement was being made, the fact that I have a family had also been considered."

WHAT HAPPENED?

In the Trabzonspor - Gaziantep FK match played at Papara Park, Arda Kardeşler's decision to stop the burgundy-blue team's attack, especially after a free kick, and order a retake caused controversy.

Speaking after the match, TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu had made the following statements:

"I am 59 years old, I can summarize 40 years. A referee makes mistakes, they are human. But what happened tonight is not a mistake. I am watching the position over and over again; there is no explanation for this. I haven't seen anything like this in 40 years. The price for this is heavy.

I called the referee to the federation on Monday. I spoke with him. I will do more than what is necessary. Our only goal is to serve football fairly and at an equal distance. If such actions are taken despite this, the price is very heavy. The public will see how the necessary actions are taken.

I apologize to the public on my own behalf because such an incident occurred in Turkish football. It is our job to fix it. May the Almighty God not grant us the opportunity to do wrong. We will do what is necessary without delay. I will share it with the public next week."