Fenerbahce fans gathered at an Istanbul airport at 4am on Monday morning to welcome their players home, just hours after they were attacked by rival Trabzonspor supporters.
The violent scenes broke out after a dramatic Super Lig clash in which Fenerbahce won 3-2 on Sunday evening, with former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi scoring a late winner after ex-Man United midfielder Fred had previously scored twice.
Trabzonspor fans stormed the pitch after the final whistle to confront the Fenerbahce players, having already thrown flares and other objects onto the playing field, with Batshuayi aiming a spinning kick at a supporter, while former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel also fought back.
One fan also appeared to be waving a weapon as they ran onto the pitch during the alarming scenes at Papara Park.
Fenerbahce’s players eventually managed to get off the pitch when security intervened, and they left for Istanbul late on Sunday night and early on Monday morning.
Fenerbahce fans gathered at an Istanbul airport to welcome their players home
The players met some fans and appeared in good spirits just hours after being attacked by rival supporters
Trabzonspor fans entered the field on Sunday evening and attacked Fenerbahçe players
Fenerbahce’s players fought back as they tried to defend themselves
The winning goal provoked an immediate reaction from the opposing supporters, with flares and other objects being thrown onto the pitch
The incident started when a lone supporter stormed onto the pitch before former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel intervened
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After landing at around 4am, they were greeted by a large contingent of fans who had stayed up late into the night to welcome their heroes home.
Supporters lit torches and sang, before the players went to meet some of them to thank them for the raucous reception.
The players were seen smiling as they greeted their fans and seemed elated to be back home after the scary ordeal they had to endure after their match the night before.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino responded to the crowd violence on social media, condemning the actions of the home fans.
“The violence following the Turkish Super Lig match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahçe is absolutely unacceptable – on or off the pitch, it has no place in our sport or society,” he wrote.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: without exception, all players in football must be safe to play the game that brings so much joy to so many people around the world.
“I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is respected at all levels and that the perpetrators of the shocking events in Trabzon are held accountable for their actions.”
In the closing minutes of the match, flares and other objects were thrown onto the field
Corner flags were used as makeshift weapons against players as they tried to find shelter
The alarming scenes came after former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi scored a late winner for Fenerbahce
Former Man United star Fred also scored twice for Fenerbahce earlier in the match
FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the behavior of the Trabzonspor supporters
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya also criticized the behavior of Trabzonspor supporters on Sunday evening. an investigation was already underway.
He posted on
‘Sport is above all sportsmanship. It is never acceptable for violence to take place on football fields.
‘The public will be 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.
Referee Halil Umut Meler was attacked by Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca after another Turkish match in December
The referee was in hospital for over a week after the violent attack
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.