The much-anticipated clash between Eyüpspor and Fenerbahçe on December 20, 2024, at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw, but it wasn’t the scoreline that dominated the post-match discussions. Instead, the focus turned to Eyüpspor’s left-back, Caner Erkin, and the series of controversial decisions by the referee and VAR that left fans and players fuming.
Fenerbahçe’nin golünden önce, Caner Erkin’e faul yapılıyor ama hakem oralı bile olmuyor. İşiniz gücünüz Fenerbahçe’yi kollamak! #EYPvFB pic.twitter.com/vouNjXdQtn
— Muzo (@MuzoGS_) December 20, 2024
The match began with high intensity as both teams sought to establish dominance. Eyüpspor’s Ahmed Kutucu found the back of the net thanks to a well-orchestrated buildup, starting with a long, precise pass from Caner Erkin. While Caner didn’t score, his contributions in the buildup play were pivotal in securing his team’s goal. However, his performance was overshadowed by a string of contentious moments that marred the game.
One of the defining incidents occurred before Fenerbahçe’s equalizer. Caner appeared to have been fouled in the lead-up to the goal, but the referee and VAR dismissed the appeals, sparking outrage among Eyüpspor fans and players. This decision not only allowed Fenerbahçe to draw level but also intensified the sense of injustice felt by the home team.
💥SKANDAL
FENERBAHÇE’NİN VERİLMEYEN PENALTISINA BAKIN!
OSAYİ’NİN KALBİNE DİRSEK ATTI CANER ERKİN ONA RAĞMEN PENALTI VE KIRMIZI KART VERİLMEDİ pic.twitter.com/qhGEbCGD5f
— FF TV (@FFTVofficial) December 20, 2024
Adding to the controversy, Caner himself was accused of committing a foul during a separate play, with claims of him using his elbow in the penalty area. Despite these allegations, the referee chose not to award a penalty, leading to further frustration for Eyüpspor supporters. The tension boiled over when Caner received a yellow card for protesting a decision. This incident escalated to the point where Eyüpspor’s technical director, Arda Turan, was sent off for his vehement reaction to the officiating.
The match’s atmosphere was charged with emotions as fans, players, and coaches expressed their dissatisfaction with the officiating. Social media erupted in the aftermath, with countless posts criticizing the referee’s performance and the perceived inconsistency in VAR’s decisions. Eyüpspor supporters particularly pointed out the physical challenges on Caner that went unpunished, arguing that these lapses significantly impacted the game’s outcome.
İrfancan Caner Erkin’e faul yapıyor, Arda Turan hakkını ararken kırmızı kart yiyor!
Jose Mourinho sahaya girer, kameranın önüne Laptop koyar sorun yok!
Yazıklar olsun! #EYPvFB Eyüpspor – Fenerbahçe
— D A Y I (@_demirbay10) December 20, 2024
