Violent scenes unfolded in Turkey after Trabzonspor fans attempted to attack Fenerbahce’s players as they stormed the pitch following their Super Lig clash.
Fenerbahce won the intense encounter 3-2, with Michy Batshuayi netting the decisive goal in the closing stages after former Man United midfielder Fred had scored twice.
With tensions already high, disgraceful scenes took place following the final whistle as several Trabzonspor supporters invaded the pitch and confronted Fenerbahce’s players, who were forced to defend themselves.
The feeling of animosity inside the Papara Park stadium was amplified by Batshuyai’s late winner as supporters began to hurl objects onto the pitch.
With three points secured, Fenerbahce’s players celebrated together in the middle of the pitch before the violent scenes worsened.
Corner flags were utilised as makeshift weapons against players as they attempted to find shelter
The incident began when a lone supporter evaded stewards and ran directly towards the celebrating stars in the centre of the pitch.
As they moved ever closer to the players without being intercepted by security, former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel was forced to fight back to protect himself.
The 26-year-old could be seen raining down punches on his would-be attacker, as his teammates and members of staff rushed to his aid.
From that point on the situation devolved even further as scores of fans began to make their way beyond the barricades, rushing directly onto the pitch.
Clips circulated on social media showed another supporter sprinting directly towards former Chelsea and Crystal Palace star Batshuayi.
Taking direct action the Belgian forward launched into a spinning heel kick connecting with the supporter and causing them to quickly disperse.
The potential for serious harm to have been caused during the incident was made frighteningly clear with images on social media appearing to show a supporter brandishing a weapon during the ugly scenes.
Fenerbahce’s players were then shielded by security forces as they tried to get back into the sanctum of the changing rooms.
Speaking later, Fenerbahce boss, Ismail Kartal, insisted his players were attacked and that they hadn’t provoked fans.
Trabzonspor manager Abdullah Avci echoed Kartal’s thoughts and admitted the events were upsetting.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya condemned the violence as he he revealed authorities had already started a probe into identifying the culprits.
Writing on X, he insisted: ‘After the Trabzonspor-Fenerbahçe 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.
‘Sports is, above all, sportsmanship. It is never acceptable for violence to occur on football fields.
