Chaos ensued at Trabzonspor’s stadium following a Turkish top-flight league match against Fenerbahce, which ended in a 3-2 victory for the visitors, as violence erupted between Trabzonspor fans and Fenerbahce players.
Trabzonspor Fans On The Field
Incidents unfolded after the final whistle when a group of Trabzonspor supporters stormed the pitch, confronting celebrating Fenerbahce players. Images captured the tense moments as one fan charged toward the players, prompting some Fenerbahce players to react aggressively.
Videos circulating on social media depicted Belgian international Michy Batshuayi kicking a fan who had breached the pitch, while Nigerian international Bright Osayi-Samuel was seen throwing a punch at another supporter.
Among the chaos, further altercations emerged, including a fan wielding a corner flag in a threatening manner toward a visiting player and Fenerbahce’s goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic receiving a blow to the face.
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Turkish Minister Launch Investigation
In response to the violent scenes, Turkiye’s interior minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the launch of an investigation into the incident, stressing the unacceptability of violence in football.
“Following the Trabzonspor-Fenerbahce football match, an immediate investigation has been initiated to identify the spectators who breached the pitch and to address the incidents that transpired at the match’s conclusion,” Yerlikaya stated.
This incident marks a troubling trend in the Turkish Super Lig, with previous instances of violence prompting the suspension of the league for a week in December after a referee was attacked during a match between Ankaragucu and Rizespor.
Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca, along with others, assaulted referee Halil Umut Meler on the pitch, resulting in the official sustaining injuries.