Trabzonspor has received a mandate to hold six matches without spectators following the outbreak of violence that occurred after last month’s Turkish Super Lig loss to Fenerbahce. Chaos erupted at Papara Park in Trabzon as fans stormed the pitch and assaulted both Fenerbahce players and security personnel.
As a result of the altercation, Fenerbahce players Jayden Oosterwolde and Irfan Can Egribayat faced one-game suspensions for engaging in altercations with opposing fans. Additionally, Trabzonspor incurred a fine of 3 million Turkish lira (£75,000).
Egemen Korkmaz, Trabzonspor’s coach, has been banned from the dressing room and bench for one match due to his involvement in a scuffle with a rival player. However, Fenerbahce’s Nigerian winger Bright Osayi-Samuel, who was observed knocking down one of the pitch invaders, did not face any sanctions.
These penalties were determined following a meeting of the Turkish Football Federation’s disciplinary council. Despite the severity of the incident, Fenerbahce members rejected a proposal to withdraw from the Turkish Super Lig as a response to the violence during the match.
The tense atmosphere escalated in the 87th minute of the Trabzonspor match when objects were hurled onto the field after Michy Batshuayi scored the decisive goal for the visiting team. FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the events as “absolutely unacceptable.”
In response, the Turkish Football Federation denounced the incidents as “unacceptable” and stated that “the necessary criminal sanctions will be imposed on those responsible for these incidents.”
Currently, Fenerbahce ranks second in the Super Lig after 30 matches, trailing leaders Galatasaray by two points. They are scheduled to host Adana Demirspor on Wednesday amidst these developments.
