Muslera's kick sparks debate over that award: 'An award in Turkey, a red card in Europe'
Galatasaray bid farewell to the UEFA Champions League after losing 1-0 to Young Boys in the play-off round second leg. During the match, Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was shown a red card for his actions against opposing player Virginius following a goal. While Muslera's unethical behavior drew backlash on social media, the Fair Play award he received last year has also become a subject of renewed debate.
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Galatasaray hosted Swiss side Young Boys in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off round. Having lost the first leg 3-2 away, Galatasaray lost the second match 1-0 and was eliminated from the Champions League.
Virginius scored the goal that secured the victory for Young Boys in the 87th minute.
However, Galatasaray's experienced goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was shown a red card for his actions against Virginius after the goal was conceded.
Although the moment in question was not captured on the TRT broadcast of the match, videos filmed from the stands showed Muslera kicking and knocking down Virginius, who was running toward his teammates to celebrate the goal. Following Muslera's action, a scuffle broke out between Young Boys and Galatasaray players. Norwegian referee Espen Eskas showed Muslera a red card.
The Uruguayan goalkeeper's unethical behavior was widely discussed on social media. Many Galatasaray fans also expressed their disapproval and reacted to Muslera's action against the opposing player who was celebrating a goal.
HE WAS CHOSEN AS THE MOST GENTLEMANLY PLAYER
Furthermore, the fact that Muslera was deemed worthy of one of the Fair Play Awards organized by the TFF last year has resurfaced on social media. The fact that Muslera, who kicked and knocked down an opponent celebrating a goal in the Champions League, was chosen as the "Most Gentlemanly Athlete" by the TFF has sparked controversy.
The reasoning for Muslera being deemed worthy of the award, as a result of the evaluations made by the TFF Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee, was as follows:
Most Gentlemanly Player: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray)
Reasoning: He was unanimously deemed worthy of the award due to his respect for opponents, his habit of congratulating opposing goalkeepers after matches, consoling them when necessary, and his general approach throughout his entire football career that aligns with Fair Play values and sets an example.