Fatih Terim: Referees left their mark in both games

The Turkish coach was unsatisfied with some of his players and the calls made by the referees during his team’s Benfica clash.

Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim did not hold back when reflecting on his team’s elimination from the Europa League on Thursday at the hands of Benfica. The Emperor, as he is known in Turkey, said the referees had a major influence in the outcome of both legs.

After seeing his team draw 0-0 in Lisbon and eliminated 2-1 on aggregate, Terim congratulated the Portuguese powerhouse but was critical of the referees.

“We said if we would lose to Benfica we would congratulate them and so, I congratulate Benfica. The referees left their mark in the two games, however. In the first game, there was the undeserved penalty and the second, an offside which wasn’t. These sins are on UEFA’s head.

“We are a team of change and in progress. We took our first step in January and we will take our second step in June. Rest assured, we will come back to the Champions League or Europa League with a much stronger team which will advance further.

“Thank you to all of our supporters who cheered us on during our games in Europe. Thank you for your interest and support.

“The fact is, and I have to say this, is that Benfica is a better team than us at the moment. But could have we eliminated them? Yes, we could have.

“This season, referees of all nationalities gave us unpleasant times with their decisions. There is nothing we can do. We will now focus on our league and cup,” he explained in a lengthy press conference after the game.