Shocking scenes in Turkey see Fenerbahce players attacked by rival Trabzonspor fans after late winner… but Michy Batshuayi and former QPR star fight back!
Violent scenes unfolded in Turkey after Trabzonspor fans tried to attack Fenerbahçe players as they stormed the pitch after their Super Lig match.
Fenerbahce won the intense match 3-2, with Michy Batshuayi scoring the decisive goal in the closing stages after former Man United midfielder Fred had scored twice.
With tensions already high, shameful scenes took place after the final whistle as several Trabzonspor supporters stormed the pitch and confronted the Fenerbahce players, who were forced to defend themselves.
The feeling of hostility at the Papara Park stadium was heightened by the late Batshuyai winner as supporters began throwing objects onto the pitch.
With three points secured, Fenerbahce’s players celebrated together in the center of the pitch before the violent scenes worsened.
Violent scenes unfolded in Turkey after Trabzonspor fans tried to attack Fenerbahçe players after their Super Lig match
The incident started when a lone supporter stormed onto the pitch before former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel intervened
Corner flags were used as makeshift weapons against players as they tried to find shelter
The incident started when a lone supporter eluded the stewards and ran straight towards the celebrating stars in the center of the pitch.
As they moved 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 throwing punches at his would-be attacker as his teammates and staff rushed to his aid.
From then on, the situation evolved even further as dozens of fans pushed their way past the barricades and rushed straight onto the pitch.
Clips circulating on social media showed another supporter sprinting straight towards former Chelsea and Crystal Palace star Batshuayi.
Taking immediate action, the Belgian forward launched a spinning heel kick, making contact with the supporter and causing him to quickly disperse.
The potential for serious damage allegedly caused during the incident was made frighteningly clear with images on social media that appeared to show a supporter brandishing a weapon during the ugly scenes.
Former Man United star Fred gave his side a two-goal lead in Trabzon before the hosts fought back after the break to level the match
With just a few minutes to go, Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi restored Fenerbahce’s lead
The winner provoked an immediate response from the opposing supporters by throwing flares and other objects onto the field
Stewards tried to protect the players as dozens of fans crowded the field at full time
Violent scenes broke out in several areas of the field as players were forced to defend themselves
Fenerbahce’s players were then protected by security forces as they attempted to return to the sanctuary of the changing rooms.
Later, Fenerbahce boss Ismail Kartal said his players were attacked and that they had not provoked fans.
Trabzonspor manager Abdullah Avci echoed Kartal’s thoughts and admitted the events were disturbing.
Meanwhile, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya condemned the violence as he revealed authorities had already begun action investigate the identification of the perpetrators.
Writing on
‘Sport is above all sportsmanship. It is never acceptable for violence to take place on football fields.
‘The public is informed about the developments.
The shocking scenes mark just the latest controversial incident to take place in the Turkish top flight this season.
In December, Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca physically attacked referee Halil Umut Meler in the aftermath of his side’s draw against Rizespor.
Security tried in vain to quell the violence on the field, as more and more supporters rushed in
The incident was later condemned on social media by Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya
Yerlikaya emphasized that an investigation is already underway to identify those involved in the violence
Others then subjected him to a series of kicks as he curled up on the ground and covered his face.
A large crowd of players, coaching staff and security quickly raced to the scene to stop the attack, with the shocked Meler suffering a minor fracture during the incident.
The match official spent more than a week in hospital following the brutal attack, where he was visited by Yerlikaya before returning to his duties in January.
All Turkish competitions were suspended following the incident before resuming after a week-long hiatus.