Galatasaray Formally Complains to UEFA Over refereeing in Champions League Loss
Istanbul, Turkey – Galatasaray has lodged an official complaint with UEFA regarding the performance of Spanish referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez during their 1-0 defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise in a Champions League match on November 25th. The complaint centers on a perceived critical error by Martinez – failing to issue a red card to Union Saint-Gilloise player Promise David, who afterward scored the game’s only goal.
The controversy stems from a pivotal moment in the match where Galatasaray believes David should have been sent off.Head coach Okan Buruk publicly voiced his frustration after the game, stating, “The red card that the referee did not give is a very vital mistake. the player to whom he did not give the red card scored the goal.” Buruk also criticized the referee’s handling of stoppages in play,claiming Martinez unnecessarily halted the game “four or five times when there was no dangerous injury,” and characterizing the overall performance as “a very bad match.”
Galatasaray’s complaint seeks potential disciplinary action against Martinez. The Turkish club also finished the match with ten players after young defender Arda Ünyay received a red card. The outcome of this complaint could influence future referee assignments and perhaps impact Galatasaray’s chances of advancing in the Champions League.
Recent reports indicate Galatasaray has also provided facts regarding injuries to six players. Prior to the match against Union Saint-Gilloise, Galatasaray secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Ajax.
