Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk launched a strong critique of the match officials following his team's challenging fixture, focusing on what he perceived as poor time management and communication issues.
Buruk claimed his team was forced to play with ten men for an extended period due to excessive added time. "We played with ten men for 45 minutes because of the referee's added time. At one point, I thought the match would never end," the manager stated, expressing his frustration with the officiating.
Speaking after the match, Buruk also revealed the unusual circumstances that led to his own suspension. "I said, 'Let them play a little longer.' For that, they showed me a yellow card, and now I am suspended. They showed a ridiculous, simple yellow card," he explained.
The manager further criticized the fourth official specifically, lamenting his inability to establish a dialogue. "I don't know his name, but he couldn't communicate with either bench, especially the fourth official. It is very important that people who can communicate serve as fourth officials."
Concluding his assessment of the officials' performance, Buruk implied that the discontent was shared by both sides. "We had a day where both sides were unhappy with the referees. I am saying I didn't like the referee, and I am sure Sergen Hoca will say the same thing," he added, referring to the opposing manager.