FIFA President Says Turkish League Violence ‘Unacceptable’
FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Monday said violence in the Turkish Super Lig is “unacceptable”, as he called on authorities to take action following a brawl after Fenerbahce’s 3-2 win at Trabzonspor.
Throughout the game, Trabzonspor supporters had been throwing foreign objects onto the field, setting the stage for a tense atmosphere. Trabzonspor fans then stormed on to the pitch after the final whistle on Sunday and attacked visiting Fenerbahce players who fought back to defend themselves.
Nigerian defender Bright Osayi-Samuel found himself at the centre of the turmoil, as he was captured on camera engaging in a physical altercation with a masked Trabzonspor fan in self defence.
Turkish police detained 12 fans following the incident, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said in a post on X on Monday. Fenerbahce players left Trabzon by private plane on Sunday night, accompanied by extensive security measures.
The incident came after there had 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 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 that this is respected at all levels and for the perpetrators of the shocking events in Trabzon to be held accountable for their actions.”
Trabzonspor coach Abdullah Avci also shared a few words about the incident.
“We are going through a period that Turkish football is now completely fed by chaos, where tensions are constantly high, and where we cannot use the healing power of football,” Trabzonspor coach Abdullah Avci said in an interview.
Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal added: “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.”
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/Chidi Nwoke.
