A controversial incident in Turkish football has sparked widespread outrage after a player from Mardin 1969 Spor collided with female assistant referee Esra Arıkboğa during a second-division match against Bursaspor on April 4, 2026, leaving her on the ground without any assistance or apology.

The moment occurred in the closing stages of the game near the touchline during a fierce ball challenge. Player Mehmet Manış launched into a heavy sliding tackle that took out both his opponent and the assistant referee who was positioned close by. While the home player managed to avoid the worst of the impact, Arıkboğa was sent tumbling hard onto a muddy patch of the pitch. Video footage shows her falling awkwardly as the play continued.

What has drawn the fiercest criticism is the immediate aftermath. Manış got back to his feet and casually rejoined the action without stopping to check on Arıkboğa or offering a hand to help her up. Another player involved in the challenge also appeared to show frustration rather than concern. No one from either team immediately rushed to assist the referee, who had to get up on her own.

The clip quickly went viral on social media, with fans across Turkey and beyond condemning the lack of basic respect and sportsmanship. Many highlighted the absence of gallantry, especially toward a female official, with comments flooding in about “missing chivalry” and “unprofessional behaviour.” Hashtags and discussions exploded, with some users calling for disciplinary action from the Turkish Football Federation while others debated whether the reaction would have been the same if the referee had been male.

Esra Arıkboğa, a recognized assistant referee in the Turkish leagues, was seen continuing her duties after the fall, but the incident has raised questions about player awareness and safety for match officials, particularly women working in men’s football. Sources suggest an apology may have been made privately behind the scenes, yet many view the on-pitch indifference as unacceptable and reflective of deeper issues in player conduct.

The match between Bursaspor and Mardin 1969 Spor was already tense, but this moment overshadowed the result and turned the spotlight onto issues of respect for referees. In Turkish football, where passions run high and controversies are common, this incident stands out for its visual impact and the clear lack of immediate human empathy shown on the field.

Broader conversations have emerged online about equality in officiating, the physical risks referees face in high-intensity matches, and the expectations of professionalism from players at all levels. While collisions between players and officials can happen accidentally in fast-paced games, the failure to show basic concern has been labelled as poor sportsmanship by the majority of reactions.

The Turkish Football Federation has not yet issued an official statement on potential sanctions, but the public backlash is intense. Fans are demanding better education on respect for officials and stricter protocols for incidents involving match staff. Some have pointed out that in similar past cases involving male referees, players were quicker to help, fuelling accusations of double standards or bias.

This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the human element in football. Referees, regardless of gender, put themselves in the line of fire to ensure the game runs fairly, and basic courtesy — a helping hand, a quick check, or even a simple apology — should be the minimum standard. Arıkboğa’s fall, captured in muddy conditions that made the impact look even more painful, has become a symbol for many of the challenges female officials still face in gaining full acceptance and respect on the pitch.

As the video continues to circulate, the story highlights ongoing debates in Turkish and global football about player behaviour, referee safety, and the need for greater professionalism. Whether this leads to formal disciplinary measures or simply more awareness remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the moment has left a sour taste and a strong call for change in how players treat those who officiate the beautiful game.