Joao Capela, the Turkish VAR chief, has staunchly supported the decision to overturn Paul Onuachu’s early goal during Trabzonspor’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Fenerbahçe, according to Soccernet.ng.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the controversial moment on September 14, Capela emphasized that the foul was “unmistakable” and that the VAR review was “entirely justified.”
Onuachu, the Nigerian forward, initially appeared to have given Trabzonspor the lead in the 11th minute at Kadıköy by outjumping Milan Skriniar to head the ball into the net.
However, after a thorough video review, referee Ozan Ergün nullified the goal, citing a foul in the buildup to the strike.
Capela was unequivocal in his defense of the decision.
“The VAR decision to disallow Paul Onuachu’s goal due to a foul is absolutely correct,” Capela stated, as reported by Fanatik.
“Onuachu’s arm clearly makes contact with the opponent’s face. Importantly, the player committing the foul is the same one who scored the goal. The contact is evident here.
“Intent is irrelevant in football; it’s a game governed by facts. The evidence is clear, so the VAR intervention stands justified.”
Stay Updated with the Latest Sports News – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Today!
Will Capela’s Defense Sway Paul Onuachu?
Capela’s remarks directly countered Onuachu’s vehement criticism of Turkish refereeing following the game.
“It’s embarrassing, honestly, it’s embarrassing. Something needs to be done about this league; it’s a disgrace. If the world watches this, they’ll mock Turkish football,” the 31-year-old expressed, also condemning the red card shown to teammate Okay Yokuşlu after another VAR review as “a huge embarrassment for the Turkish league.”
Fenerbahçe secured all three points thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal just before halftime, ending Trabzonspor’s unbeaten streak and igniting outrage among the Trabzon fanbase.
Trabzonspor’s coach Fatih Tekke admitted the game “effectively ended” when the goal was overturned, while club president Ertuğrul Doğan revealed the team contemplated abandoning the match in protest. Local media accused the referees of “stealing the game in Kadıköy” and labeled the night a “black mark” on Turkish football.
Despite the backlash, Capela remains resolute, affirming that Turkish refereeing will not be swayed by public or media pressure, underscoring the integrity of the VAR system.
Following six league fixtures, Trabzonspor sits fifth in the standings with 11 points, accumulated from three victories, two draws, and the contentious loss to Fenerbahçe.
Onuachu, who has already netted three goals this season, is set to spearhead Trabzonspor’s attack once again as they prepare to face Fatih Karagumruk this Saturday.
0 Comments