Turkish Super Lig team Fenerbahçe has reportedly filed a complaint against Galatasaray over Victor Osimhen’s use of a protective mask, which they claim is dangerous to opposition players.
After missing more than a month due to an arm injury, Osimhen returned to action on Wednesday night.
The 27-year-old played 13 minutes in Galatasaray’s cup loss to Gençlerbirliği S.K., wearing a bandaged arm under a long-sleeved shirt.
Galatasaray is scheduled to play Fenerbahçe in the league on Sunday, and their opponents are claimed to have denounced the use of Osimhen’s clothing to the Turkish Football Federation.
“Fenerbahçe believes that the hard protective gear used by Victor Osimhen in matches poses a risk to opposing players. The yellow-and-navy club is preparing to formally raise this issue by applying to the Turkish Football Federation,” the Turkish news outlet HT Spor reported.
“The club’s medical team is preparing a report on materials that can be used according to IFAB rules.”
Osimhen wears a protective mask after suffering a significant facial injury during a match for Napoli in 2021.
The Nigerian collided with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar, sustaining fractures to his cheekbone and eye socket.
Osimhen needed surgery and was sidelined for three months, according to Napoli, who stated that “titanium plates and 18 screws were used in the operation.”
Medics urged Osimhen to wear a protective mask when he resumed playing.
It remains to be seen how the TFF will rule on the issue before their probable title decider on Sunday.
Galatasaray currently leads the Super Lig with 71 points, four more than Fenerbahçe, with four games remaining.
