Rıdvan Dilmen makes explosive referee claim after derby: Calls on TFF

Former national football player and sports commentator Rıdvan Dilmen stated that Turkish referees are under pressure and argued that the TFF should bring in foreign VAR referees.

In the 10th week of the Süper Lig, league leaders Galatasaray hosted Beşiktaş at home.

The Yellow-Reds emerged from the match, which was crucial for the title race, with a 2-1 victory.

''REFEREES ARE NOT SECURE''

Former national football player and sports commentator Rıdvan Dilmen analyzed the derby after the match.

Making a striking claim regarding Turkish referees, Dilmen said the following:

"I see this in the referees; I am saying this independently of Arda Kardeşler. Like rabbits caught in headlights... None of them feel secure. I have never spoken about this until today. I don't want to get into this either. I don't want to talk about it because nothing happens in the end. I think TFF President İbrahim Bey, one of his election promises was, 'From now on, it is not you, but I who will hold the referees accountable,' he said.

Dilmen continued his words as follows:

''Then, when he was the president of Trabzonspor, after the incident-filled match, the incident was closed. They later made peace with Ali Bey. He sent away the active referees there, the referees who were continuing. It cannot be done with revenge. Just like how his relations with Ali Bey improved. When a referee was a FIFA candidate, they immediately took that referee back. Now, can you imagine that kid's psychology? I agree with Acun Ilıcalı. This will be to the detriment of Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, and Trabzonspor. A foreign VAR referee should come for at least 2-3 years. I think the kids have lost their confidence. Let us be sure that this situation will not improve."