Okan Buruk's words to the referee spark controversy: Galatasaray issues statement on red card

Galatasaray Assistant Coach İrfan Saraloğlu evaluated both the flow of the match and the dismissal of head coach Okan Buruk following the game against Trabzonspor in the Süper Lig.

Stating that the yellow-red team could not start the match as they had hoped, Saraloğlu said that despite the early goal they conceded, they found opportunities to equalize but failed to capitalize on them. Saraloğlu noted that they conceded the second goal in the first half following an individual error, and that the third goal followed.

Explaining that they gave the necessary warnings to their players during halftime, Saraloğlu expressed that they tried to turn the game around but the goal they were waiting for did not come. Emphasizing that the team has a strong playing character, Saraloğlu commented, "We couldn't turn the match around."

RED CARD CONTROVERSY

Saraloğlu said that one of the things they were most upset about was Okan Buruk being sent off from the sidelines with a red card. Stating that he was very close to the incident, the experienced coach argued that the decision was unnecessary.

Saying that Galatasaray does not have a problem with the match referee, Saraloğlu also reacted to the choice of fourth officials. Saraloğlu stated that more experienced referees could manage reactions on the benches better, adding that this would contribute to Turkish football.

Expressing that they did not want to overshadow Trabzonspor's victory, Saraloğlu said that the burgundy-blue team deserved to win.

Speaking about the words alleged to have caused Okan Buruk's dismissal, Saraloğlu argued that Buruk did not say "Are you blind?" to the referee. Saraloğlu stated that the head coach's expression was "Can't you see, I didn't cross the line."

Suggesting that what happened was a misunderstanding, Saraloğlu reacted to the decision by saying, "He said 'Can't you see,' they understood 'Are you blind.'" Stating that Okan Buruk is a high-energy head coach, Saraloğlu said that he should not be expected to remain passive on the sidelines during a match.

Noting that Galatasaray will recover, Saraloğlu expressed that they have not lost any of their strength with the return of injured players. Stating that the yellow-red team continues its championship bid, Saraloğlu said, "We will be champions again."

News Source: 12punto