Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has delivered a scathing assessment of the match officials following a tense and controversial 1-1 draw with arch-rivals Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig, a match that also marked the dramatic return from injury of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen Defies Odds for Derby Return
Victor Osimhen, who suffered a hamstring injury while playing for the Nigerian national team against the Democratic Republic of Congo, made a surprise and swift return to action. After initial assessments in Istanbul left his recovery timeline uncertain, the Super Eagles forward was named in the starting lineup for the high-stakes intercontinental derby at the Ulker Stadium in Kadikoy on December 1, 2025.
Defying expectations, Osimhen played a significant 89 minutes before being substituted for Mauro Icardi, showcasing his resilience and importance to the Galatasaray side. His return was confirmed prior to the match by club president Dursun Ozbek.
A Fiery Post-Match Reaction from Buruk
The match itself was marred by controversy, with referee Yasin Kol issuing a total of eight yellow cards—five to Galatasaray and three to Fenerbahce. Both Osimhen and coach Buruk were among those booked. The game's narrative saw Leroy Sane put Galatasaray ahead in the 27th minute, only for Fenerbahce to snatch a late equalizer through Jhon Duran in added time.
However, Buruk's post-match focus was squarely on the officiating. In a passionate interview with GS TV, he claimed there was little to analyze from a footballing perspective. "Frankly, there's nothing to evaluate about the match. Let's not get too worked up about it. Everyone saw what happened today," Buruk stated.
He expressed grave concern for player safety, referencing a serious eye injury to defender Kazimcan Karatas and other dangerous challenges. "We saved our lives here. Kazım was going blind. Two of our players could have broken their legs. We'll leave here grateful for saving our lives, our legs, and our bodies," the furious coach added.
Galatasaray's Path Forward
Despite the frustration, Buruk ended his remarks with a rallying cry to the club's massive fanbase. He emphasized the unifying power of Galatasaray and called for increased support moving forward. "Let no one forget, we are Galatasaray too... After witnessing what happened today, we will show everyone how much support we need to show each other," he declared.
The result leaves Galatasaray seeking a return to winning ways. Their next opportunity comes quickly, as they are scheduled to host Samsunspor at home on Friday, December 5, 2025. All eyes will be on Victor Osimhen's fitness as he looks to build on his unexpected 89-minute comeback.
