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

Former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan said that Turkey striker Busem Seker “had to be sent off” after she controversially handled the ball before later scoring the winner during their 2-1 victory over NI.

Michael McArdle’s side were trailing 1-0 in the closing stages of a quiet first half in Istanbul when the game sparked to life as Seker handled Fi 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, much to the frustration of the visitors and Callaghan, who was on co-commentary duties for the penultimate World Cup qualifier.

Their anger heightened just after the restart when Seker headed home Selen Altunkulak’s cross in what proved to be the winning goal which secured the crucial three points and second spot for Turkey in Group B2.

“She has to be sent off for that, she literally saved it with her hand,” Callaghan said on BBC iPlayer.

“It is a blatant handball, I think she thought she was in nets for a second. That is a penalty all day.

“You can see the relief on her face [when she is shown a yellow card]. Absolute madness.”