Mauro Icardi posted a picture with a black eye after the fiery derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce on Sunday. The Argentina striker was injured after colliding with the post during the goalless draw, and his team criticized the officiating in the match. Galatasaray expressed frustration over the lack of a penalty or card and accused those involved in Turkish football of manipulation. Fenerbahce dismissed the claims as "embarrassing." Edin Dzeko, Fenerbahce's captain, responded to Icardi's social media post, calling it typical behavior and embarrassing. The incident adds to recent controversies in Turkish football, including a referee being attacked after a match.
'Those who only want justice for themselves continued to manipulate Turkish football from every channel tonight!' Icardi's team Galatasaray said.
'VAR room and 26 cameras cannot see and we feel ashamed on their behalf. Those who brought Turkish football to this point will be ashamed.'
Fenerbahce dismissed the claims as 'embarrassing'.
'Trying to create victimization through the player hitting the goal post. We leave it to the discretion of the public,' the Super Lig table leaders said.
Edin Dzeko, captain for Fenerbahce, replied to Mauro Icardi's black eye social media post. 'Icardi hit the goal post with his head and they put him on Instagram and cried for the penalty… typical them. Embarrassing,' the 37-year-old said.
Icardi later posted a picture on Instagram with his wife Wanda also sporting a black eye she had given herself with makeup.
As well as matching eye bruises, the couple were sporting identical pajamas as they wished their followers all the best for the festive period, with the caption: 'Merry Christmas to all. We wish you from Istanbul, Health Peace, and much Love.'
The latest controversy comes after referee Halil Umut Meler was punched at the end of a Turkish top-flight match.
Former Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca ran onto the field and attacked Meler after his team conceded a 97th-minute equalizer in a 1-1 Super Lig draw with Caykur Rizespor in Turkey.
Meler left the hospital on Wednesday with a swollen eye.
'No, I did not forgive [Koca], I will not forgive,' he told Turkish media.