Paul Onuachu’s standout performance for Trabzonspor in the Turkish Süper Lig has sparked one of the most heated refereeing controversies this season, according to Soccernet.ng.
The thrilling 4-3 victory for Trabzonspor over Fatih Karagümrük in Istanbul was marked by intense action and drama.
However, the focus quickly turned to referee Mehmet Türkmen after he awarded a debatable penalty in the first half, following a shirt pull by Karagümrük defender Atakan on Onuachu inside the penalty area.
The situation grew more complex when VAR official Erkan Özdamar recommended overturning the penalty, pointing to a potential handball by Onuachu just before the foul occurred.
After reviewing the footage, however, Türkmen remained firm, arguing that the striker’s hand position was natural and that he could not have deliberately blocked the ball with his arm.
“I observed the prolonged tugging on the jersey (by Atakan). The player’s (Onuachu’s) hand was in a natural position. Therefore, I will uphold the penalty decision,” Türkmen stated, as revealed in audio released by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).
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The ruling divided opinions throughout Turkey.
Some critics maintain that Onuachu did handle the ball deliberately, while others believe the defender’s clear shirt pull left the referee with no alternative but to award the penalty.
Regardless of the debate, Onuachu’s form remains unstoppable. The towering 2.02m striker netted two goals in the match, bringing his season total to five goals in seven appearances.
He now shares the top scorer spot in the Süper Lig alongside Galatasaray’s Mauro Icardi and Beşiktaş’s Cenk Tosun, despite having a goal controversially ruled out against Fenerbahçe earlier this month.
His match statistics underscore his influence: four shots-all on target; six ball recoveries; winning six out of eleven duels; and dominating two aerial challenges. Onuachu is proving to be more than just a goal poacher; he is both the spearhead and the powerhouse of Trabzonspor’s attack.
What Lies Ahead for Paul Onuachu at Trabzonspor?
Up next for Trabzonspor is Kayserispor, who face the tough challenge of containing the Nigerian striker.
Kayserispor’s coach Markus Gisdol is reportedly devising a tailored strategy aimed at neutralizing Onuachu’s aerial dominance and his commanding presence inside the penalty area.
Yet, halting Onuachu’s momentum is no easy feat. His blend of physical strength, clinical finishing, and game-changing presence has made him the most talked-about striker in the league. As Trabzonspor continues to climb the standings, the penalty controversy may gradually fade from memory, but Onuachu’s pivotal role in the title race is set to remain front and center.
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