Trabzonspor loses 2-0 against Juventus after referee controversy

TURIN

Trabzonspor claims the ball was still in play when Yusuf Erdoğan fired in his cross. DHA photo

Trabzonspor’s run of 14 matches unbeaten in European competitions has ended in Turin, after the Black Sea side lost 2-0 against Juventus in the first leg of the Europa League last-32 round, despite a goal being controversially annulled by the referee.

Dani Osvaldo, who joined the Old Lady during the winter break, opened the scoring in the 15th minute, before Paul Pogba bagged a precious second goal in injury time.

The Turkish side, however, was upset by a referee decision to cancel a goal in the 71st minute. In what could have been a turning point, Olcan Adın put the ball into the net after a cross from Yusuf Erdoğan. The referee ruled that the ball had crossed the line before Erdoğan’s cross, but TV replays showed that the ball might not have completely crossed the line.

Coach Hami Mandıralı, Trabzonspor’s legendary striker who recently took over from Mustafa Reşit Akçay, praised his side’s attitude during the entire game.
 
“We had opportunities to score and we missed, but they scored. We had counter-attacks, particularly in the second half, following the changes, but we were unable to score,” Mandıralı said. 

He also criticized the canceling of Trabzonspor’s goal. “As far as I saw on the TV, the ball did not entirely cross the line. UEFA should review its six-referee system. We have been damaged by a wrong decision,” he said.

For his part, Juventus coach Antonio Conte was more cheerful following the game. He burst into laughter after a Turkish reporter said “snow was expected” during the return game in Trabzon, recalling Juventus’ ouster from Champions League after a match that was played two days late due to snow. 

“Journalists in Italy don’t make me laugh. A Turkish journalist was necessary for that,” Conte said.