An investigation has been launched after Trabzonspor fans entered the pitch and sparked a brawl following their side’s 3-2 Turkish Super Lig defeat by Fenerbahce.
Two goals from former Manchester United midfielder Fred had given Fenerbahce an early 2-0 lead at Papara Park in Trabzon, before Enis Bardhi and Trezeguet drew the hosts level in the second half.
But Fenerbahce then scored an 87th-minute winner through former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, with the away side’s celebrations on the pitch following the full-time whistle met by Trabzonspor supporters who had breached security.
Video footage on social media appeared to show those supporters clashing with Fenerbahce players — including Batshuayi and former Queens Park Rangers full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel — and then stadium security personnel.
Fenerbahce players had earlier been targeted by objects thrown from the crowd, with Trabzonspor players pictured appearing to plead with fans to stop. Ismail Kartal, Fenerbahce’s head coach, said after the match that he and his staff had also been struck by objects thrown from the crowd during the match. Kartal added that he had a swollen head and some of his staff had swollen jaws and burst lips.
Ali Yerlikaya, Turkey’s minister of the interior, confirmed on Monday morning that 12 individuals had so far been identified amid the investigation, with inquiries ongoing.
𝓑𝓪𝓽𝓼𝓶𝓪𝓷 skoru belirledi. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KVGGgO4b9U
— Fenerbahçe SK (@Fenerbahce) March 17, 2024
“After the Trabzonspor-Fenerbahce football match played this evening, identification efforts regarding the spectators entering the field and an investigation into the events that took place after the match were immediately launched,” Yerlikaya said on Sunday.
“Sport is, above all, sportsmanship. It is never acceptable for violence to occur on football fields.”
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) also condemned what happened as “unacceptable” and promised “necessary penal sanctions” for those responsible.
“The violence witnessed after the Turkish Super Lig match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce is absolutely unacceptable — on or off the field, it has no place in our sport or society,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.
“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.”
This is not the first time this season the Turkish Super Lig has attracted headlines for violent post-match scenes. Faruk Koca, president of Super Lig side MKE Ankaragucu, raced onto the field and hit referee Halil Umut Meler after a draw against Caykur Rizespor in December.
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(Enes Sansar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
