Some fans have rallied behind Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen after his heated on-field altercation with Emirhan Topçu during Saturday’s tense Turkish Super Lig Istanbul derby, The PUNCH reports.
Tempers flared at RAMS Park during Galatasaray’s 1–1 draw with Beşiktaş, as Osimhen and Topçu clashed in the 39th minute. The incident began when Osimhen appeared to be fouled in 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 teammates and officials stepped in to diffuse the situation.
The flashpoint has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits. While some criticised Osimhen for losing his composure, others defended his reaction, arguing that he was provoked and that his fiery temperament reflects his competitive nature.
User Thoysquare wrote on X, “Zlatan punched teammates, Balotelli fought coaches, Suarez bit humans, 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 a fantasy league in your head.”
Suggesting possible racial provocation, Emmanuel Nnechi commented, “We are quick to judge and condemn the victim for reacting to an ugly, racial slur while sparing the offender.”
Another fan, Escanor, added, “He lost his temper because it reminded him of the foul that made him start wearing a mask. Probably got flashbacks and lost his head.”
Defending Osimhen, X user Josh drew parallels with other football legends, writing, “Pepe almost sent Messi to his early grave, Zidane headbutted Materazzi, Gattuso shoved a manager, Cantona kicked a fan, Hazard kicked a ball boy, Bowyer and Dyer fought as teammates, Suarez bit Ivanovic — yet when it’s Osimhen, everyone starts wailing.”
David-Leo Alabi tweeted, “Osimhen’s only ‘crime’ is playing with raw emotion in a sport that pretends to be civilized while celebrating chaos. Fans love passion until it’s an African showing it — then it becomes ‘terrible attitude.’”
He continued, “You see a Black striker shouting back, they see ‘temper.’ But when it’s a European, it’s called ‘competitive spirit.’ Yes, self-control matters, but football thrives on ego and adrenaline. If Osimhen walks away, he’s weak; if he reacts, he’s ‘out of order.’ The same fire that wins games sometimes burns hot. Don’t hate the heat if you want hunger.”
Lamemzy also weighed in: “Ramos, Diego Costa, Casemiro — even Atletico players — have done worse. Suarez bit someone, Zidane headbutted. It’s part of the game.”
Another fan, Vikel, concluded, “Most top players have done worse and are still celebrated today. Stop trying to tarnish a hardworking Black player’s image for nothing.”
The result ended Galatasaray’s perfect start to the Turkish Super Lig season, after seven straight wins.
