On Sunday, 17 March, Turkish football was thrust into the limelight when Trabzonspor fans invaded the pitch at the end of a match against Fenerbahce to attack a number of players. Several Fenerbahce players were caught up in the attack with defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, pictured punching a supporter on the floor in self-defence.
Although the melee was swiftly resolved, the ugly scenes were always going to come back to bite Trabzonspor and their fans as player safety was significantly compromised. The incident left Fenerbahce considering withdrawal from the Turkish Super Lig but their members voted against such action on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the Turkish Football Federation ordered Trabzonspor to play their next six matches without any fans in attendance as punishment for the incident. They were also fined 3m Turkish Lira (£75,000) and coach, Egemen Korkmaz, was given a dressing room and dugout ban for one game for fighting with members of the Fernerbahce squad.
From Fenerbahce's side, Jayden Oosterwolde and Irfan Can Egribayat have been given one-match bans for fighting with some of the pitch invaders. However, Bright Osayi-Samuel has avoided punishment after acting in self-defence when approached by one supporter.
Trabzonspor respond to stadium ban
Despite the overwhelming consensus being that Trabzonspor fans had been out of order, the club have reacted in anger to the news that they are set to play six matches behind closed doors. Taking to social media platform, X, the club's official account posted the following message: “F**k your justice! Get up from your seats, resign!”
ADALETİNİZ BATSIN!
KALKIN KOLTUKLARINIZDAN, İSTİFA EDİN!@TFF_ORG
— Trabzonspor (@Trabzonspor) April 3, 2024
The post was a direct message to members of the Turkish Football Federation's disciplinary council with the club calling on decision-makers to resign from their positions.
Fenerbahce, meanwhile, are yet to officially respond to the punishment. After their members voted to not withdraw from the Turkish Super Lig it would be a surprise if they reacted too angrily over the decision to ban Jayden Oosterwolde and Irfan Can Egribayat for a game each. Instead, they will look to focus their attention on catching Galatasaray at the top of the league.