Scenes of violence unfolded in Turkey after Trabzonspor fans attempted to attack Fenerbahce players as they stormed the pitch following their Super Lig clash.
Fenerbahce won the intense encounter 3-2, with Michy Batshuayi scoring the decisive goal in the closing stages after former Man United midfielder Fred scored twice.
While tension was already high, shameful scenes took place after the final whistle when several Trabzonspor fans invaded the pitch and confronted the Fenerbahce players, forced to defend themselves.
The feeling of animosity inside the Papara Park stadium was amplified by Batshuyai’s late winner, as fans began throwing objects onto the pitch.
With three points acquired, Fenerbahce players celebrated together in midfield before the scenes of violence worsened.
Violent scenes unfolded in Turkey after Trabzonspor fans attempted to attack Fenerbahce players following their Super Lig clash.
The incident began with a lone supporter charging onto the pitch before former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel intervened.
Corner flags were used as makeshift weapons against players as they attempted to find cover.
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The incident began when a lone fan escaped the stewards and ran straight towards the celebrating stars in the center of the pitch.
As they moved closer and 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 raining down blows on the would-be striker, while his teammates and staff members rushed to his aid.
From that moment on, the situation evolved further when dozens of fans began to break through the barricades and rush straight to the field.
Clips posted on social media showed another supporter sprinting straight towards former Chelsea and Crystal Palace star Batshuayi.
Switching to direct action, the Belgian striker launched into a spinning heel kick connecting with the supporter and causing them to quickly disperse.
The potential for serious harm that may have been caused during the incident was chillingly highlighted by footage on social media appearing 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 to level the match after the break.
With a few minutes to go, Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi gave Fenerbahce the lead again
The winner provoked an immediate reaction from hostile fans with flares and other objects thrown onto the field.
Stewards tried to protect the players as many fans forced their way onto the pitch at full time.
Scenes of violence broke out in several areas of the pitch as players were forced to defend themselves.
The Fenerbahce players were then protected by security forces as they attempted to return to the sanctuary of the locker room.
Speaking later, Fenerbahce boss Ismail Kartal insisted his players had been attacked and had not provoked the fans.
Trabzonspor manager Abdullah Avci echoed Kartal’s thoughts and admitted that the events were upsetting.
Meanwhile, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya condemned the violence, revealing that authorities had already launched a investigate to identify the culprits.
Writing 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.
Security tried in vain to quell the violence on the field as more fans burst in.
The incident was later condemned on social media by Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
Yerlikaya insisted that an investigation to identify those involved in the violence was already underway.
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.