Türkiye 2-1 Northern Ireland: ‘Absolute madness’ – Callaghan on red card decision

Former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan says Turkey striker Busem Seker “had to say goodbye” after controversially handling the ball before scoring the winner during the 2-1 win over NI.

Michael McArdle’s side were trailing 1-0 late in a quiet first half in Istanbul when the game sprang to life as Seker steered Fay Morgan’s goal-bound effort on the line.

Referee Alexandra Collin quickly pointed to the spot and Northern Ireland expected a red card to follow, but the French official opted for a yellow to the disappointment of the crowd and Callaghan, who was on co-commentary duty until the end of the World Cup qualifier.

Their fury increased just after the restart when Sekker headed in Selen Altunkulak’s cross to prove the winning goal. Three important points And second place for Turkey in Group B2.

“He has to be sent off for that, he literally saved it with his hands,” Callaghan said on BBC iPlayer.

“It was a shameless handball, I think he thought he was in the net for a second. It’s a penalty for the day.

“You could see the relief on his face (when he was shown a yellow card) complete madness.”