Fenerbahçe claimed a thrilling 3-2 win over Trabzonspor on Sunday night to keep pace in the Süper Lig title race — but the scenes at full-time cast a dark shadow over one of the season’s biggest matches.
The high-stakes clash in Trabzon was decided late when Michy Batshuayi — the former Chelsea forward — struck the decisive goal. Yet the drama didn’t end with the final whistle, as hundreds of Trabzonspor supporters stormed the pitch in chaotic and violent scenes that saw players from both sides caught up in altercations.
Fenerbahçe’s Bright Osayi-Samuel and Batshuayi were among those seen trying to fend off supporters as security forces rushed to intervene. Footage showed objects hurled from the stands, and tensions spilled over as the atmosphere turned hostile. Thankfully, players were eventually escorted safely off the field.
“It is never acceptable for violence to take place on football pitches — above all, sport is gentlemanship,” said Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, who confirmed a criminal investigation had been launched. “An investigation has been initiated immediately to identify the spectators who entered the pitch and to investigate the incidents that took place at the end of the match,” he posted on X.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) condemned the scenes in strong terms and said it will impose “necessary criminal sanctions” on those responsible. The incident drew international condemnation as well, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino calling the violence “absolutely unacceptable.”
“All players must be safe and secure to play the game which brings such joy to so many people around the world,” Infantino said in a statement. “I call on the relevant authorities to ensure this is respected at all levels and for the perpetrators of the shocking events in Trabzon to be held accountable.”
Fenerbahçe’s hard-fought win keeps them within touching distance of Galatasaray at the top of the league, but the fallout from Sunday night’s disgraceful scenes threatens to overshadow a crucial moment in the title race.
This is not the first troubling incident in the Turkish top flight this season. Back in December, referee Halil Umut Meler was infamously punched by MKE Ankaragücü president Faruk Koca following a last-minute equaliser against Çaykur Rizespor — an event that also sparked outrage across the footballing world.
As Turkey’s footballing authorities face renewed scrutiny, the call is growing louder for decisive action to restore safety and order to the pitch.