Some sections of fans have risen in defence of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen following a tense on-field altercation with Emirhan Topçu during a heated Turkish Super Lig Istanbul derby on Saturday.
Tempers flared at RAMS Park as Osimhen and Topçu clashed during Galatasaray’s 1–1 draw with Beşiktaş. The incident occurred in the 39th minute when Osimhen appeared to be fouled in an aerial challenge, 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 players from both teams quickly intervened to calm the situation.
The flashpoint has since sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits alike. While some criticised Osimhen for losing his composure, others defended his reaction, insisting that he was provoked and that his fiery passion was a reflection of his competitive spirit.
Thoysquare wrote on X, “Zlatan punched teammates, Balotelli fought coaches, Suarez bite humans, and they still played for elite clubs. If you think attitude is why no big team wants him, you’re not watching football, you’re watching a fantasy league in your head.”
Suggesting that the Nigerian may have been racially abused, Emmanuel Nnechi said, “We are quick to judge and condemn the victim for reacting to an ugly, racial slur while spearing the offender.”
Escanor added, “He lost his temper because it’s similar to the foul that made him have to wear a mask every game. Probably got flashbacks and lost his head.”
In Osimhen’s defence, X user Josh named some other top stars who have been involved in similar brawls.
“Pepe almost send Messi to his early grave, Zidane head butted Materazzi, Gatusso shoved Tottenham manager , Cantona kicked a fan during a match, Hazard kicked a ball boy in the chest , Lee Boyer and Kieron dyer ( teammates) exchanged blows during a match , Luis Suarez bite Ivanovic and many but when it comes to Osimhen you all started wailing,” he wrote.
“Osimhen’s only ‘crime’ is playing with raw emotion in a sport that keeps pretending to be civilized while celebrating chaos. Football fans love passion until it’s an African showing it. Then suddenly it’s “terrible attitude.”
He added, “You see a Black striker shouting back, they see ‘temper’. But when it’s European, it becomes ‘competitive spirit’.
“Yes, self-control matters. But let’s not act like football isn’t built on ego, adrenaline, and pride. If Osimhen walks away silent, they’ll call him weak. If he defends himself, he’s “out of order.
He’s not perfect, but let’s stop confusing personality with indiscipline. The same fire that wins games sometimes burns hot. You don’t want hunger and hate the heat.”
Lamemzy said, “Ramos, Diego Costa, Casemiro, Atletico Madrid players all did worse. Suarez even bit someone, Zidane head butted.”
“It’s common with all footballers,most of the top players have done worse and are still celebrated till today. You just want to tarnish a talented black guy’s image for nothing, someone that worked hard to get to where he is today,” Vikel wrote.
The draw ended Galatasaray’s perfect start to the Turkish Super Lig season, having won all seven of their opening league fixtures.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
