Some fans have come to the defence of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen after his heated on-field confrontation with Emirhan Topçu during a tense Turkish Super Lig Istanbul derby on Saturday, The Punch reports.
The clash happened in the 39th minute of Galatasaray’s 1–1 draw with Beşiktaş at RAMS Park. Osimhen appeared to have been fouled during an aerial duel, but referee Yasin Kol waved play on. Frustrated by the decision, the Nigerian forward confronted Topçu and seemed to grab him by the neck before both sets of players rushed in to defuse the situation.
The incident quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans and analysts. While some criticised Osimhen for losing his temper, many others defended him, arguing that he was provoked and that his reaction showed his intense passion for the game.
On X (formerly Twitter), Thoysquare wrote:
“Zlatan punched teammates, Balotelli fought coaches, Suarez bit people, and they still played for elite clubs. If you think attitude is why no big team wants Osimhen, you’re not watching football—you’re watching fantasy.”
Another fan, Emmanuel Nnechi, suggested that the Nigerian star may have faced racial abuse:
“We’re always quick to condemn the victim for reacting to a racial slur while ignoring the offender.”
Escanor added that Osimhen’s anger might have been triggered by trauma from a past injury:
“He probably remembered the foul that caused the face injury he still wears a mask for. That could’ve set him off.”
Defending Osimhen, Josh listed several famous footballers who had similar emotional outbursts:
“Pepe almost injured Messi, Zidane headbutted Materazzi, Gattuso shoved a manager, Cantona kicked a fan, Hazard kicked a ball boy, Boyer and Dyer fought each other, Suarez bit Ivanovic… But when Osimhen reacts, everyone starts crying.”
David-Leo Alabi also weighed in, saying:
“Osimhen’s only ‘crime’ is showing emotion in a sport that thrives on chaos. Fans love passion until it’s an African showing it. Then suddenly it’s ‘bad attitude’. When a European does it, it’s ‘competitive spirit’.”
He continued:
“Yes, self-control is important, but football is built on ego and adrenaline. If Osimhen walks away, they call him weak. If he stands his ground, he’s labelled aggressive. He’s not perfect, but his fire is part of what makes him great.”
Other fans echoed similar sentiments. Lamemzy wrote:
“Ramos, Diego Costa, Casemiro — even Zidane and Suarez — all did worse. Yet they’re legends.”
Vikel added:
“Many top players have done worse and are still celebrated today. Stop trying to destroy the image of a hardworking Black man who earned his success.”
Read Also;
Arsenal go top as Manchester United ease pressure on Amorim
Ola Aina played AFCON final with hamstring injury — Iwobi, Bassey
The 1–1 result ended Galatasaray’s perfect start to the Turkish Super Lig season, after winning all seven of their previous matches.
