Fenerbahce to file complaint over Osimhen’s protective gear

Fenerbahce are set to lodge a formal complaint against Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen regarding his protective mask, as both teams’ gears up for the high-stakes clash.

Osimhen has been playing with a specially designed protective bandage on his right forearm following a fracture he sustained during a UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool on March 18, 2026.

The support is intended to stabilize the injury and allow him to continue featuring for Galatasaray during a crucial stage of the season.

However, Fenerbahçe are not convinced the gear is entirely safe to allow the Nigerian international feature in the upcoming match.

Just two days to the highly-profiled match, Fenerbahce are reportedly set to submit an official report to the Turkish Football Federation, raising safety concerns over the protective gear Osimhen has been wearing in recent matches.

The club reportedly believes that the protective support may be too rigid and could pose a risk to opposing players in situations involving physical contact. With the derby expected to be intense and highly competitive, even minor concerns are being treated with utmost seriousness.

Fenerbahçe’s medical team is said to be compiling detailed documentation, including expert assessments and technical analysis, to support their claim. The club intends to present this evidence to the federation in a bid to have the matter reviewed before kickoff.

While player safety remains a legitimate issue, the timing of the complaint has raised eyebrows. Derby matches between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray are often accompanied by psychological battles off the pitch, and some observers view this move as a strategic attempt to unsettle Osimhen and his team.

Others, however, argue that the concern is justified, noting that protective equipment in football must meet strict safety standards to ensure it does not endanger other players.

The final decision now rests with the Turkish Football Federation, which will have to determine whether Osimhen’s protective gear complies with regulations or requires modification.

With emotions already running high ahead of Sunday’s showdown, this latest development has added another layer of intrigue to an already explosive fixture.

Whether it proves to be a decisive factor or just pre-match noise, one thing is certain—the derby drama has well and truly begun before a ball has even been kicked.