Arsenal lost 2-0 against Barcelona at the Emirates in the Champions League Last 16 first-leg. Lionel Messi stole the limelight with his brace but referee Cüneyt Çakır was not far behind.
We took a look at social media to see what was made of the Turkish referee’s performance on the night.
It all started off rather well for Cüneyt but that was before the game had started.
Any Arsenal fans searching desperately for a good omen, Cuneyt Cakir has only refereed one AFC game: the 2-0 win over Bayern in October
— Frank Dalleres (@frankdalleres) February 23, 2016
It was not long before fans started remembering the infamous Nani red card incident. The no nonsense referee has a reputation of being harsh on English clubs in European competition. Çakır has sent off Nani, Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Mario Balotelli in the past.
Çakır is perceived as being a referee with a bone to pick when it comes to Premier League sides but Arsenal had no trouble beating Bayern Munich with him officiating in-fact he awarded the Gunners a controversial goal.
So Cuneyt Cakir referees ARS v FCB match, arsenal be very careful. That man hates england teams.
— Sulaimanu ?? (@Orteezzeey) February 23, 2016
Manchester United fans were soon out in full force making their feelings on Çakır known.
Cuneyt Cakir is the worst referee in europe
— Black Mamba ?? (@Black_MambaXB) February 23, 2016
Çakır was later accused of supporting Barcelona.
https://twitter.com/mimsicality/status/702233969803325440
Cuneyt Cakir might need a police escort out of the Emirates later #AFCvFCB Absolutely shocking & I'm a Barca fan.
— pista (@Pistabacsi) February 23, 2016
Some Arsenal fans referred to him as being almost as bad as their other refereeing nemesis Mike Dean.
Cuneyt Cakir is Turkish for Mike Dean
— Khalid (@WorldOfK_) February 23, 2016
The rest of the tweets contain one two many profanities for us to share but Mark pretty much sums up what was being said.
Referee Cuneyt Cakir getting abuse from #AFC fans – most seem to be referring to him by his first name…almost…
— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) February 23, 2016
