Trabzonspor’s Super Lig encounter with Fenerbahce on Sunday was overshadowed by controversy, with Manchester United loanee Andre Onana stepping in to calm an enraged Paul Onuachu after the Nigerian striker had a goal disallowed.
The match, marked by frequent VAR interventions, saw its first flashpoint in the 11th minute. Onuachu rose above Fenerbahce defender Milan Skriniar to win an aerial duel and headed the ball into the net. He celebrated jubilantly, only for Fenerbahce players to surround referee Ozan Ergun in protest.
After consulting VAR, Ergun reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor and ultimately disallowed the goal, prompting an angry reaction from Onuachu. The striker vocally protested and gestured in frustration, earning a yellow card as tensions threatened to escalate. Onana intervened, holding back his teammate and speaking calmly to defuse the situation, preventing further disciplinary action.
After the match, Onuachu expressed his frustration with officiating in the Turkish Super Lig, stating: “It’s embarrassing to be honest, really embarrassing. They have to do something about this league. It’s a shame, the whole world is seeing this.”
Onuachu rejoined Trabzonspor on a permanent basis during the summer transfer window and has scored two goals in the opening five Super Lig games.
