KASIMPASA midfielder Kerem Demirbay was bizarrely sent off in the dying minutes of a Turkish League match.
Demirbay, 32, was shown two yellow cards in less than a second while preparing to take a free kick in stoppage time.
Demirbay was initially booked for dissentCredit: Refer to source
But he continued remonstratingCredit: Refer to source
He was instantly shown a second yellow for sarcastically clapping at referee Ali YilmazCredit: Refer to source
Eager to get the ball rolling with his team losing 2-1 to Trabzonspor, Demirbay was booked for dissent as he urged referee Ali Yilmaz, who had held a hand up, to get things moving.
But the former midfielder continued remonstrating, sarcastically clapping the referee’s decision, which prompted Yilmaz to instantly brandish a second yellow.
Although Demirbay can visibly be seen speaking angrily at the referee, it remains unclear what he said to Yilmaz.
Kasimpasa manager Emre Belozoglu was furious in the post-match press conference, accusing the referee of favouritism.
Belozoglu, who amassed more than 100 caps during his playing career for , said: “For the development of Turkish , the performance of these referees urgently needs to be improved.
“Leaving aside their inability to give red cards, a match shouldn’t be managed this poorly, the game shouldn’t be read this badly. It’s very clear they don’t come from within the world of football.
“They don’t give a red card to Torreira when he steps on the field in the Galatasaray match. They don’t give a red card to Onuachu when he steps on the field. But they give one to Kerem Demirbay.
“If Kerem Demirbay were wearing a Galatasaray jersey, would this red card be so easily given?”
Former boss previously claimed referees were against his side as he battled powerhouses for the title.
Mourinho said a year ago: “We are not fighting the opposing team, we are fighting the system. And fighting the system is the hardest thing.”
In October, after 152 referees were found to be actively .
Demirbay was making his debut for Kasimpasa after signing for his new club two weeks ago.
He first competed in the with Hoffenheim during the 2018/19 season, before playing for and later Galatasaray.
The controversial red card has sparked further discourse among Turkish football fans about the impartiality of the league’s .
One fan wrote on X: “The referee deliberately played with the footballer’s nerves. What the hell is the referee doing in front of Kerem?
“If you’re going to draw a line, draw it in front of the ball and then get the f*** away. This is the summary of Turkish referees.”
Another defended the referee’s decision, writing: “Who could possibly know what Kerem said to the referee? Maybe he used harsh words. Just wait and see his report.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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