Turkey striker Busem Seker escapes red card after penalty controversy in 2026 win

Turkey striker Busem Seker avoided a red card for a clear handball on the goal line before scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory over Northern Ireland.

Seker's penalty incident sparks outrage Michael McArdle's team were trailing 1-0 late in a quiet first half in Istanbul when the game changed dramatically as Seker handled Fi Morgan's shot on the goal line. The referee, Alexandra Collin, immediately awarded a penalty, with Northern Ireland expecting a red card to follow. Instead, the official showed a yellow card, a decision that angered the visitors and former captain Marissa Callaghan, who was commentating on the World Cup qualifier. Callaghan argued that Seker had to be sent off, stating that the striker had clearly saved the shot with her hand. ## Callaghan condemns referee's decision Callaghan, who was providing commentary for the match, expressed her frustration on the broadcast platform, saying: 'She has to be sent off for that - she literally saved it with her hand.' She added that the handball was blatant and that Seker appeared relieved when shown only a yellow card. 'That is a penalty all day. You can see the relief on her face. Absolute madness,' Callaghan remarked. The controversial call allowed Seker to continue playing, and she soon scored the winning goal just after the restart. ## Turkey claim crucial three points Seker headed home Selen Altunkulak's cross after the restart, securing the 2-1 victory and three crucial points for Turkey. The win moved them into second place in Group B2 with a superior goal difference compared to other teams. They now trail group leaders Switzerland by three points going into the final group game. The victory was Turkey's second in the qualifying campaign, highlighting their progress under McArdle's management. ## Seker defends her handball with explanation Speaking after the match, Seker admitted she had lost her balance before the penalty incident and believed someone may have touched her during the play. 'I haven't watched the footage properly yet, I'll go and have a look. I had this feeling that someone touched me, I lost my balance and I fell reflexively,' she said. Seker acknowledged the penalty conceded but emphasized Turkey's composure in response. 'Unfortunately, we conceded a goal. After they scored that goal, they gained a bit of confidence. We stayed calm. We believed we would score the second goal. In the end, we left home with three points.'