Sunday’s Super Lig clash between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce descended into chaos after Fenerbahce secured a dramatic 3-2 victory at Papara Park in Trabzon.
Fenerbahce Players Attacked by Home Fans:
Fenerbahce players were met with violence as they celebrated their win. Fans stormed the field, prompting intervention from security services and Fenerbahce players Bright Osayi-Samuel and Michy Batshuayi.
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Condemnation from Authorities and FIFA:
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya swiftly condemned the incident, calling for an investigation to identify those responsible. He announced 12 arrests had been made. FIFA president Gianni Infantino echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of player safety and demanding accountability for the perpetrators.
Match Erupted in Tensions:
The violence seemingly originated in the 87th minute when objects were thrown onto the field after Batshuayi scored the winning goal for Fenerbahce.
Osayi-Samuel responded by knocking down a pitch invader and punching him, while Batshuayi attempted to kick another as fans swarmed the pitch.
The Turkish Football Federation labelled the events “unacceptable” and vowed to impose sanctions. Trabzonspor manager Abdullah Avci decried the rising tensions in Turkish football, while Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal called for tolerance and common sense.
Latest Incident in Troubled Season:
This is not the first incident of violence to mar the 2023-24 Super Lig season. In December, a referee was assaulted by a club president, leading to a suspension of fixtures.
Fenerbahce Maintain Title Charge:
Despite the post-match chaos, Fenerbahce’s victory strengthens their title challenge. They sit second in the league table, just two points behind leaders Galatasaray.