Fans Rally Behind Osimhen After Heated Neck-Grabbing Incident
Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has received strong support from fans following a tense on-field confrontation with Emirhan Topçu during Saturday’s fiery Turkish Super Lig Istanbul derby, where Galatasaray and Beşiktaş played out a 1–1 draw.
The clash occurred in the 39th minute at RAMS Park when Osimhen appeared to be fouled in an aerial challenge. However, referee Yasin Kol waved play on, prompting the visibly frustrated Nigerian striker to confront Topçu. The situation quickly escalated as Osimhen seemed to grab the Beşiktaş player by the neck before teammates and officials intervened to diffuse the tension.
The incident has since generated widespread debate online, splitting opinions among football fans and analysts. While some condemned Osimhen’s reaction as unprofessional, many others defended him, arguing that his outburst was a natural response to provocation and reflected his fierce competitive spirit.
A user named Thoysquare wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“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 him, you’re watching fantasy football, not reality.”
Another fan, Emmanuel Nnechi, suggested that Osimhen might have been racially provoked, saying:
“We’re quick to condemn the victim for reacting to an ugly racial slur while sparing the offender.”
Similarly, Escanor noted that the foul might have triggered memories of the injury that forced Osimhen to wear a protective mask:
“He probably got flashbacks and lost his head. It’s understandable.”
Supporters also pointed to several football legends who have had worse on-field altercations. Josh, another X user, listed examples:
“Pepe nearly injured Messi, Zidane headbutted Materazzi, Gattuso shoved a manager, Cantona kicked a fan, Hazard kicked a ball boy, and Suarez bit Ivanovic. But when Osimhen reacts, everyone loses their minds.”
Echoing similar sentiments, David-Leo Alabi argued that the backlash against Osimhen was rooted in double standards:
“Football fans love passion until it’s an African showing it. When a Black striker shouts back, it’s called ‘temper.’ When it’s a European, it’s ‘competitive spirit.’ The same fire that wins games sometimes burns hot — you can’t want hunger and hate the heat.”
Another fan, Lamemzy, added:
“Ramos, Diego Costa, and Casemiro have done worse. Suarez bit someone. Zidane headbutted. It’s common among footballers.”
Vikel also weighed in, saying:
“Most top players have done worse and are still celebrated. You just want to tarnish a talented Black man’s image. He worked hard to get here.”
The derby draw ended Galatasaray’s perfect start to the Turkish Super Lig season, bringing their seven-match winning streak to an abrupt halt — but it’s Osimhen’s fiery moment that continues to dominate conversations across social media.
