Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahçe have reportedly filed a complaint against Galatasaray over the use of protective mask by Victor Osimhen, which they say is dangerous to opposing players, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Osimhen returned to action on Wednesday night after being out with an arm injury for over a month.
The 27-year-old featured for 13 minutes in Galatasaray’s cup defeat to Gençlerbirliği S.K., appearing with a bandaged arm under a long-sleeved jersey.
Galatasaray are due to face Fenerbahçe in the league on Sunday, and their rivals are said to have reported the use of Osimhen’s gear 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,” 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 he sustained a serious facial injury in a match while playing for Napoli in 2021.
The Nigerian clashed heads with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar and sustained fractures to both his cheekbone and eye socket.
Osimhen required surgery and spent three months on the sidelines, with Napoli saying in a statement, “titanium plates and 18 screws were used in the operation”.
Medics advised Osimhen to wear a protective mask when he returned to playing.
It remains to be seen how the TFF will rule on the matter ahead of their potential title decider on Sunday.
Galatasaray currently leads the Super Lig with 71 points, four ahead of Fenerbahçe with four matches remaining.
