ANKARA – Violence in the Turkish Super Lig is “unacceptable”, Fifa President Gianni Infantino said on March 18 as he called on authorities to take action following a brawl after Fenerbahce’s 3-2 win at Trabzonspor.
Trabzonspor fans stormed on to the pitch after the final whistle on March 17 and attacked the visiting players, who fought back.
Images show a Trabzonspor fan enter the pitch and begin running towards the celebrating Fenerbahce players, some of whom reacted by running towards him to try and strike him. Other fans then invaded the pitch as stewards tried to restore order.
Videos showed Belgium international Michy Batshuayi, who scored the winner in the 87th minute, kicking a fan who had entered the pitch and Nigeria international Bright Osayi-Samuel punching another supporter.
In other images on social media, a fan can be seen threatening one of the visiting players with a corner flag and Fenerbahce’s goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic receiving a punch to the face.
Turkish police detained 12 fans following the incident, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said in a post on X on March 18.
Fenerbahce players left Trabzon by private plane on March 17 night amid extensive security measures.
“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,” Infantino said in a statement.
“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 this is respected at all levels and for the perpetrators of the shocking events in Trabzon to be held accountable for their actions.”
There have been other violent incidents in the Turkish league this season, including an attack on a referee by a club president and protests against refereeing decisions.
The league was suspended for a week in December after a referee was attacked during a match between Ankaragucu and Rizespor.
Then-Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca, alongside other men, attacked referee Halil Umut Meler on the pitch after the match, injuring the official.
“We are going through a period that Turkish football is now completely fed by chaos, where tensions are constantly high, where we cannot use the healing power of football,” Trabzonspor coach Abdullah Avci said on March 17.
Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal said: “I don’t understand why this place is so tense. Don’t we have the right to celebrate?
“We need to overcome these things. We need to be tolerant towards each other and have common sense.”
His side are second on 79 points, two behind leaders and Istanbul rivals Galatasaray. Trabzonspor are third on 49 points.
The Turkish Football Federation said in a statement: “We are in contact with our representatives and state authorities regarding the incidents that took place during and after the match.
“No one should have any doubt that after the investigations are completed, the necessary penal sanctions will be imposed on those responsible (for the violence) to prevent the repetition of such incidents.” REUTERS, AFP
