Fenerbahçe coach İsmail Kartal has criticised Victor Osimhen’s conduct during Monday night’s Intercontinental Derby, Footynaija reports.
Kartal accused the Galatasaray striker of disrespecting opposition players and supporters despite praising his quality on the pitch.
Osimhen scored twice to inspire Galatasaray to a 2-1 victory over their fierce rivals at Rams Park, with a third goal ruled out for offside. However, his celebrations and alleged interactions with Fenerbahçe players and fans drew criticism from Kartal after the match.
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“Victor Osimhen is a very good player, energetic and a very good striker, but he lacks character,” Kartal said at the post-match press conference.
“A player of his level is supposed to be a role model for younger ones. He scored twice and started disrespecting Fenerbahçe fans and our players.
“That’s unsportsmanlike behaviour and should never be encouraged. The opposition are filled with emotions and acting like that towards them is insensitive.”
Osimhen makes Süper Lig history against Kartal
Osimhen gave Galatasaray the lead in the 29th minute, connecting with a precise pass from Barış Yılmaz before firing into the bottom corner.
The Nigerian international doubled the advantage five minutes before half-time, rising to head home a shot from defender Davinson Sánchez and put the hosts in control.
Fenerbahçe fought back after the break, with İrfan Kahveci reducing the deficit through an acrobatic scissor kick. Galatasaray, however, held on to claim all three points.
According to Opta Can, Osimhen became only the second Galatasaray player to score against a Fenerbahçe side managed by Kartal in the Süper Lig. Wesley Sneijder previously achieved the feat with a brace in October 2014.
The two goals took Osimhen’s tally for the campaign to nine goals and three assists in nine appearances across all competitions.
