SOCCER
What is the punishment for Fenerbahçe players and Trabzonspor fans involved in on-field fight?
The Turkish Super Lig fixture ended with a mass brawl as home supporters stormed the field clashed with Batshuayi, Osayi- Samuel and Oosterwolde.
A fixture between Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor, two of the biggest teams in Turkey, ended in chaos on Sunday as home supporters stormed the field and clashed with Trabzonspor players. Footage of the mass brawl has been shared around the world and sparked condemnation from soccer’s global organising body.
The game ended with a 3-2 road victory for the travelling Fenerbahçe, who are just two points adrift of league leaders Galatasaray. A brace from former Manchester United midfielder Fred gave them a two-goal lead, before the hosts battled back to level the game. Another ex-Premier League star, Michy Batshuayi, found a winner for Fenerbahçe in the final minutes and the away side basked in the victory with some exuberant on-field celebrations.
These scenes of jubilation sparked outrage in the home crowd and a significant number of Trabzonspor supporters jumped the barriers and clashed with the celebrating Fenerbahçe stars in the centre circle.
The attack was undoubtedly instigated by the furious home support, with the Trabzonspor ‘ultras’ contingent thought to be responsible for much of the violence. However the footage also shows Batshuayi, Jayden Oosterwolde and Bright Osayi-Samuel attacking the trespassing fans. Oosterwolde was seen kicking a supporter in the head as he lay on the ground.
A Trabzonspor fan attacked Mert Müldür and Fred, whose five-year spell at Manchester United ended last summer, was chased from the field by a pursuing crowd. Stadium security forces were required to surround the Fenerbahçe players guide them to the safety of the locker room, where they took refuge.
Will Fenerbahçe players be punished for the fight?
Early on Monday morning the Fenerbahçe contingent arrived back at Istanbul airport to scenes of celebration. Several hundred of their fans gave them a heroes’ welcome with fireworks and flares, but soccer’s governing bodies were less impressed with the scenes of on-field violence seen at Papara Park.
The Turkish soccer federation issued a statement: “We are in communication with our representatives and state officials about the events that occurred during and after the match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahçe. What happened is never acceptable in football, which is a game of friendship, peace and brotherhood. No one should have any doubt that once the investigations are concluded, those responsible for these incidents will be brought to justice [with] the criminal sanctions necessary to prevent their repetition.”
Ali Yerlikaya, Turkish Interior Minister, aimed his ire at the supporters who sparked the conflict, promising that those who invaded the field would be identified: “Violence on football fields is not acceptable,” he said. “Above all, sport is chivalry.”
But the clubs, players and other members of staff who became embroiled in the fight may also face serious sanctions. Their punishments are determined in accordance with Turkey’s soccer federation. Players involved in the incidents could be hit with bans spanning between 5 and 10 matches, although those involved will likely claim self-defence if charged.
FIFA condemn soccer violence in Turkey
Soccer’s global governing body, FIFA, issued a strongly worded statement in response to the violent clashes. In accordance with Article 52 of the Disciplinary Instruction of Football - Field Incidents - the Professional Football Disciplinary Committee can impose fines, field closures and behind-closed-doors games on clubs found guilty of failing to properly control their supporters.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote: “The violence witnessed after the Turkish Süper Lig match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahçe is absolutely unacceptable - on or off the field, it has no place in our sport or society. I have said it before, and I will say it again - without exception, in football, all players have to be safe and secure to play the game which brings such joy to so many people all over the world.”
“I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is respected at all levels and for the perpetrators of the shocking events in Trabzon to be held accountable for their actions.”
Sunday’s on-field brawl came just months after the president of one of the Turkish first division clubs, Ankaruguçu, attacked a referee on the pitch. Faruk Koca entered the field and punched referee Halil Meler in the face and was banned for life from any involvement in the professional game. Turkish soccer will likely look to crack down hard on the latest show of violence in the country’s top division, with big bans expected for players and supporters alike.