Turkish football was once again marred by violence as Trabzonspor fans clashed with security forces and Fenerbahce players following their team's 3-2 defeat on Sunday, adding to the season's long list of controversies.
Fenerbahce took a halftime lead thanks to two goals from Brazilian midfielder Fred, leaving Trabzonspor trailing. However, Trabzonspor fought back in the second half, with Enis Bardhi and Trezeguet finding the net to level the score.
Watch players and fans clash
Tensions soared as Fenerbahce's Belgian forward Michy Batshuayi struck the winning goal in the 87th minute. Chaos erupted on the pitch, with fans hurling objects and one supporter engaging in a physical altercation with Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Videos captured Osayi-Samuel swinging a fist at the fan, while Batshuayi was seen kicking out at supporters as security forces intervened to restore order. Dozens of fans then stormed the pitch, prompting security forces to shield Fenerbahce players as they made their way off the field.
Fenerbahce head coach Ismail Kartal denied any provocation from his players, asserting that they were the ones attacked. Trabzonspor coach Abdullah Avci expressed dismay at the events, describing them as upsetting.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya swiftly announced an investigation into the brawl, emphasizing that violence has no place in sports. "Above all, sport is gentlemanship. It is never acceptable for violence to take place on football pitches," he remarked.
The incident adds to a string of controversies in Turkish football this season, including an attack on a referee by a club president, the postponement of a domestic cup final and protests against refereeing decisions.
(Inputs from Reuters)
