Referee changes red card to yellow on fair objection of rival Beşiktaş player

ISTANBUL

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Beşiktaş’s defensive midfielder Veli Kavlak hit the headlines Dec. 25 not for any great play in his side’s loss to Adana Demirspor, but a rare objection to the referee to prevent a rival from receiving a red card.

In the 21st minute of the first half of a Ziraat Turkish Cup group stage game in which second-tier Adana Demirspor was 1-0 ahead, Hakan Söyler of the visiting team came close to putting his studs into Veli’s foot while attempting to win the ball, receiving a direct red card from referee Suat Arslanboğa. Veli, however, joined the Demirspor players in objecting to the decision, causing the official to rescind the red and brandish only a yellow instead.

Beşiktaş lost the game 2-1, but the headlines in Turkish dailies were full of praise for Veli.

“This is not something common, but it is what all players should do,” said Söyler after the game, adding that players should act in solidarity.

Beşiktaş players informed the referee after the tackle that there was no contact, Hakan said, thanking the rivals.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) also extended its thanks to Veli in a message on its official site.