Paul Onuachu, the Super Eagles forward, expressed his dissatisfaction with the refereeing during Trabzonspor’s narrow 1-0 loss to Fenerbahçe on Sunday evening, according to Soccernet.ng.
The frustration stemmed from Onuachu’s first-half goal being overturned after a VAR review. The Nigerian striker, who transferred to Trabzonspor from Southampton in the summer 2025 transfer window, initially appeared to have put his team ahead early in the match.
At the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Onuachu outjumped Milan Skriniar to head the ball into the net in the 11th minute, seemingly giving Trabzonspor an advantage.
Nevertheless, referee Ozan Ergün consulted the pitchside monitor following advice from the VAR team, ultimately disallowing the goal due to a foul in the buildup phase.
Onuachu’s Reaction Post-Match
Visibly upset by the ruling, Onuachu was booked for dissent and openly criticized the officiating after the game concluded.
“This is embarrassing for the Turkish league! They must improve,” the 31-year-old remarked sharply while exiting through the tunnel.
Paul Onuachu expresses his displeasure with the refereeing in the Fenerbahçe match: “It’s embarrassing for the Turkish league! They need to do better.” pic.twitter.com/EfD5zGMCEb
– EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) September 14, 2025
Following this controversial moment, Trabzonspor succumbed to defeat when Youssef En-Nesyri netted the decisive goal just before halftime, leaving the Black Sea club searching for answers.
Comments from Trabzonspor’s President
Ertuğrul Doğan, president of Trabzonspor, also condemned the refereeing decisions, labeling them unacceptable and cautioning that such errors tarnish the reputation of the Turkish Super Lig.
“There was a moment when we contemplated withdrawing the team from the pitch. No one should be subjected to this. Having a goal disallowed like that is nonsensical and unjustifiable. I have other thoughts, but I prefer not to voice them,” he told Haberler.
He further questioned:
“On what grounds are these decisions made?”
Looking ahead, Trabzonspor will face Gaziantep at Papara Park this weekend as they strive to close the five-point gap behind league leaders Galatasaray. Onuachu, still stung by the disallowed goal against Fenerbahçe, will be keen to impress the home crowd with a strong performance.
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