Fenerbahce fans gathered at an Istanbul airport to welcome their players home at 4am on Monday morning, just hours after they were attacked by rival Trabzonspor fans.
The violent scenes erupted following a dramatic Super Lig clash which Fenerbahce won 3-2 on Sunday evening, with former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi scoring a late winner after the former Man midfielder United’s Fred scored twice earlier.
Trabzonspor fans invaded the pitch after the final whistle to confront Fenerbahce players, having already thrown flares and other objects onto the playing area, with Batshuayi seen aiming a shot foot spinning at a supporter, while former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel also hit back.
A fan also appeared to brandish a weapon as they ran onto the pitch during the alarming scenes at Papara Park.
Fenerbahçe players were finally able to leave the field thanks to the intervention of security, and they returned to Istanbul late Sunday evening and early Monday morning.
Fenerbahçe fans gathered at an Istanbul airport to welcome their players home
The players met with supporters and appeared in good spirits just hours after being attacked by rival fans.
Trabzonspor fans invaded the pitch and attacked Fenerbahçe players on Sunday evening.
Fenerbahce players hit back as they tried to defend
The winning goal provoked an immediate reaction from hostile fans with flares and other objects thrown onto the field.
The incident began with a lone supporter charging onto the pitch before former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel intervened.
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After landing around 4 a.m., they were greeted by a large contingent of fans who stayed up late into the night to welcome their heroes.
Fans lit flares and chanted, with the players then going to meet some of them to thank them for the raucous welcome.
The players were seen smiling as they greeted their supporters, appearing delighted to be back home after the frightening ordeal they endured following their match the day before.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino responded to the crowd violence on social media by condemning the actions of home fans.
“The violence observed after the Turkish Super Lig match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce is absolutely unacceptable. On or off the pitch, it has no place in our sport or our society,” he wrote.
“I have said it before and I will say it again: without exception, in football, all players must be safe to play this game that brings so much 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 that the perpetrators of the shocking events in Trabzon are held accountable for their actions.”
Flares and other objects were thrown onto the field in the final minutes of the game.
Corner flags were used as makeshift weapons against players as they attempted to find cover.
The alarming scenes came after former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi scored a winner for Fenerbahce.
Former Man United star Fred also scored twice earlier in the game for Fenerbahce.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the behavior of Trabzonspor fans
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya also denounced the behavior of Trabzonspor fans on Sunday evening, confirming an investigation was already underway.
He posted on
“Sport is, above all, sportsmanship. It is never acceptable for violence to occur on football pitches.
“The public will be informed of developments in the situation.”
These shocking scenes are just the latest controversial incident to emerge from Turkey’s elite this season.
In December, Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca physically attacked referee Halil Umut Meler the day after his team’s draw against Rizespor.
Referee Halil Umut Meler was attacked by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca after another Turkish match in December
The referee was hospitalized for more than a week following the violent attack.
Others then kicked him in a series of kicks as he cowered on the ground, covering his face.
A large crowd of players, coaches and security rushed to the scene and stopped the attack. A shaken Meler suffered a slight fracture during the incident.
The match official spent more than a week in hospital after the brutal attack during which he was visited by Yerlikaya before returning to duty in January.
All Turkish leagues were suspended following the incident before resuming after a week-long hiatus.