FIFA president Gianni Infantino has described last night’s scenes in Trabzon as “absolutely unacceptable” after home fans stormed the pitch and attacked Fenerbahce players.
The problems started when former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi scored what proved to be the winner in the 87th-minute, prompting Trabzonspor fans to come swarming on to the field.
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Some Fener players were attacked prompting others, including Bayshauyi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, to retaliate with punches and kicks.
Infantino said: “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.”
The Turkish government has launched an investigation with Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirming this morning that 12 people had been arrested.
Things got wild at Papara Park last night.
Trabzonspor fans crashed the pitch, going after Fenerbahce players celebrating their 3-2 comeback win.
Fenerbahce had to bolt off the field to escape the chaos. pic.twitter.com/nQj5T9lygs
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 18, 2024
Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal said after the game: “We were attacked by the fans in a way that we never expected or could understand.
“We did not provoke anything.
“This should not happen. Sport and football is friendship. We are all people of this country. We need to be a little calmer.”
He also questioned why Fenerbahce had been singled out for special treatment from the home fans, adding: “A few weeks ago, there was a match here and they [Trabzonspor] were defeated. There was no reaction from the stands.
“What did we do? Why was there such aggression against Fenerbahce?
“I have a swelling on my head. There’s a coach whose lip has been burst and other coaches have swellings. My son’s head is swollen – they hit a child.”
The win moved Fener to within two points of Super Lig leaders Galatasaray. Kartal’s men are having a fine season and have also advanced to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League where they will meet Olympiacos.
