Match-fixing investigation into game that turned from 4-1 to 5-4
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an ex officio investigation into allegations of "match-fixing" and interference following a match that Kurtalanspor won 5-4 after trailing 4-1.
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In a Regional Amateur League match played in the Kurtalan district of Siirt, Kurtalanspor faced off against Şırnak Petrolspor. In the match at Kurtalan Stadium, the visiting team took the lead in the 15th minute. The home team equalized the score in the 54th minute.
Following that minute, Şırnak Petrolspor extended the lead with goals in the 54th, 58th, and 67th minutes, bringing the score to 4-1. However, the course of the game changed after player substitutions were made. Kurtalanspor managed to win the match 5-4 with goals scored in the 71st, 90th, 90+3, and 90+5 minutes. With this result, the home team guaranteed its place in the league.
"LOSE THE MATCH" ALLEGATION
According to the allegations, the president of Şırnak Petrolspor entered the pitch while his team was leading 4-1 in the 70th minute and instructed the players to "lose the match." It was claimed that following this development, Kurtalanspor turned the match around with goals scored in a short period of time.
MATCH-FIXING DEBATES ON THE AGENDA
While the goals scored in the final minutes and the change in the score drew attention, it was stated that some players wearing the Şırnak Petrolspor jersey made allegations that match-fixing was carried out "in plain sight."
CLASH AFTER THE MATCH
Tension erupted on the pitch with the final whistle of the match. The argument that started between the players quickly turned into a fight. Kicks and punches were thrown in the incidents involving players from both teams. The incidents were brought under control with difficulty through the intervention of technical staff and security personnel.
In posts made on social media, it was stated that the Şırnak Petrolspor goalkeeper claimed that he was substituted against his will for the first time in his career. The experienced goalkeeper's claim that he was taken off while the team was leading increased the debates regarding interference in the match.
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an ex officio investigation into the allegations of irregularities that could affect the result of the match played between Kurtalanspor and Şırnak Petrolspor in the Regional Amateur League, as well as the footage reflected on social media.