Trabzonspor fans caused chaos at Papara Park on Sunday as they stormed the pitch and attacked Fenerbahce players following the Super Lig match.
Despite Fenerbahce securing a 3-2 victory, their players were met with violence from angry Trabzonspor supporters. Bright Osayi-Samuel and Michy Batshuayi tried to intervene as security services rushed onto the field to restore order.
Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya condemned the violence, emphasizing that “sport is gentlemanship” and that such behavior is never acceptable on football pitches.
Tensions escalated in the 87th minute when objects were thrown onto the field after Batshuayi scored the winning goal for Fenerbahce. This incident adds to a series of controversial events in the Turkish league during the 2023-24 season.
In a previous incident in December, referee Halil Umut Meler was physically assaulted by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca, leading to a suspension in Super Lig fixtures.
Fenerbahce currently sits in second place in the Super Lig, just two points behind leaders Galatasaray, and are a significant 30 points ahead of Trabzonspor in third place.
The violent outburst from Trabzonspor fans serves as a stark reminder of the need for respect and sportsmanship in football, and the authorities will be looking to take appropriate action to prevent such incidents in the future.
