WATCH: Hilarious scenes in Turkish second division game as player gets red card for ‘NOT SHAKING’ referee’s hand

Take a look at one of the most 'bizarre' red cards you'll ever see in football.

WATCH: Hilarious scenes in Turkish second division game as player gets red card for ‘NOT SHAKING’ referee’s hand

The incident between Murat Cem Akpınar and Ilker Yasin Avcı. (Via X/@MenInBlazers)

Referees and players often share heated moments on the pitch. From dissent to frustrated players crossing the line, players get booked for a long list of reasons. However, the Turkish second division was witness to a hilarious incident at the end of a game. Even though the incident may be laughed off as ‘silly’ or ‘insignificant’, the match referee certainly didn’t think so.

The Turkish second-division game between Genclerbirligi and Sakaryaspor ended in a bizarre booking. As Ilker Yasin Avcı blew his whistle for the last time, Murat Cem Akpınar approached him, seemingly to shake his hand. However, just as the referee extended his arm to return the favor, the player pulled away and proceed walking toward the tunnel.

YouTube video

This appeared to enrage the match official, who instantly pulled out a card from his pocket and brandished it to the player. Akpınar however, did not turn to look at the referee and continued walking, as if to ignore him.

FS Video

As for the game itself, Genclerbirligi triumphed over their opponents 3-1. Akpınar was already on a yellow card for an argument with the referee, making his dismissal one of the most bizarre in recent times.

Fans laugh at Turkish referee for losing his ‘cool’ as player ‘trolls’ him by not shaking hand

The internet was witness to the ‘bizarre’ sending off of Sakaryaspor player Murat Cem Akpınar. Ever since the incident, fans on social media have been divided as to whether it was ‘deserved’ or an overreaction from the official. Many fans commented that the player deserved a yellow for his actions. Others laughed at how the referee has a ‘fragile’ ego for having to penalize a player for the same.

Murat Cem Akpınar and Ilker Yasin Avcı
Ilker Yasin Avcı’s hand appeared to hit Murat Cem Akpınar in the face. (Via X/@MenInBlazers)

Others concluded that the referee’s decision came on the back of something ‘said’ by the player rather than his action. Popular pages labeled the referee as a Turkish ‘Mike Dean‘, who is well-known for his controversial and questionable bookings. A fan laughed at how he used to do the same to every referee who gave unfavorable decisions back when they used to play u-9 up till college.

Turkish players and referees have had strained relationships in the past as well. A highly controversial incident surrounding Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler and former club president Faruk Koca marked a ‘black age’ for Turkish football. However, the above-mentioned incident is ‘lucky’ for the light-hearted as well.

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