Okan Buruk Criticizes Refereeing After Galatasaray’s Win: ‘A Very Soft Penalty’

Galatasaray defeated İstanbul Başakşehir 3-2 in the fourth week of the Trendyol Süper Lig, maintaining its unbeaten start. After the match, coach Okan Buruk questioned the standard of refereeing.

Buruk said both teams could be unhappy with the referee’s performance, citing penalties, a red-card decision and what he described as easy fouls. He said he did not consider one of the penalties valid, calling it "very soft."

He also said Galatasaray started well and played a strong first half, but lost some of that level after Victor Osimhen and Mario Lemina left the field. The team continued to create chances, and Buruk said late substitute Leão made a positive contribution during the final 20 minutes.

Despite the win, Buruk said Galatasaray needed to improve defensively. He pointed to the goals conceded and an error in the team’s positioning during a set piece, when the side lost track of both Osimhen and Lemina.

Buruk added that Lemina had felt slight groin pain during training the previous day, while Osimhen felt discomfort on match day. Both players will undergo MRI scans, and the coach said he hoped they would be fit for the Champions League match.

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Very soft.