Super Eagles attacker, Paul Onuachu, has voiced his frustration at the officiating in Trabzonspor’s 1-0 defeat to Fenerbahçe on Sunday night, Soccernet.ng reports.
This came after Onuachu, who joined Trabzonspor from Southampton in the 2025 summer window, saw his first-half goal against Fenerbahce ruled out following a VAR review.
The Nigerian striker thought he had given Trabzonspor an early lead at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium when he rose above Milan Skriniar to score in the 11th minute.
However, referee Ozan Ergün was advised to check the incident on the pitchside monitor, and the goal was eventually cancelled for a foul in the build-up.
What Onuachu said after the game vs. Fenerbahçe
Onuachu, visibly angered by the decision, received a yellow card for dissent and did not hide his disappointment after the final whistle.
“It’s a shame for the Turkish league! They have to do better,” the 31-year-old briskly told reporters while walking through the tunnel.
Paul Onuachu is not happy with the refereeing in the match vs Fenerbahçe: “It’s a shame for the Turkish league! They have to do better.” pic.twitter.com/EfD5zGMCEb
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) September 14, 2025
Trabzonspor went on to suffer defeat after Youssef En-Nesyri secured victory for Fenerbahçe just before the halftime whistle was blown, which left the Black Sea club with more questions than answers.
What Trabzonspor President said
Club president Ertuğrul Doğan also criticised the officiating, calling the decision unacceptable and warning that such incidents damage the reputation of the Turkish Super Lig.
“At one point, we considered pulling the team off the field. No one has the right to do this to anyone. We have a disallowed goal. It doesn’t make sense, it’s illogical. I have other things on my mind, but I don’t want to say them.” as cited by Haberler.
He also added:
“Those who make this decision, what do they base it on!”
Trabzonspor will return to action at the weekend when they host Gaziantep at Papara Park as they aim to cut the five-point gap on league leaders Galatasaray. Onuachu, still smarting from his disallowed strike against Fenerbahçe, will be eager to make his presence felt in front of the home fans.