‘Mercurial’ Ndidi to miss Beşiktaş tie against Antalyaspor

Ndidi was cautioned in the 52^nd  minute by referee Yasin Kol following a challenge on Matteo Guendouzi. Under league regulations, the accumulation of four yellow cards triggers an automatic one-match ban, ruling the 29-year-old out of the critical home game at the Tüpraş Stadium on April 10.

The suspension compounded a night of frustration for the Beşiktaş captain, who  has publicly criticized the officiating following a controversial late decision that decided the match.

Read Also: FirstBank sponsors maiden Samuel Okwaraji U-16 football championship

Fenerbahçe secured the three points in the dying moments after the referee awarded a penalty for an alleged foul by Emmanuel Agbadou on Dorgeles Nene. Despite replays suggesting Agbadou won the ball cleanly, the decision stood without a VAR review, leading to Kerem Aktürkoğlu converting from the spot.

"How can you have VAR and decide not to check? I’m still trying to understand," Ndidi posted on social media shortly after the final whistle.

The loss of Ndidi is a significant blow for manager Sergen Yalçın. Since joining the "Black Eagles" in the summer of 2025, the former Leicester City man has become the cornerstone of the midfield, featuring in 25 league matches and contributing two goals and one assist.

Beşiktaş now faces the challenge of maintaining their European qualification push without their primary defensive anchor, as the fallout from one of the season’s most contentious derbies continues to resonate in the capital.