A riot that broke out following Fenerbahce’s 3-2 victory against Trabzonspor prompted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to declare that violence in the Turkish Super Lig is “unacceptable” and to urge the authorities to intervene.
Following Sunday’s final whistle, Trabzonspor supporters rushed onto the field and attacked visiting Fenerbahce players, who retaliated by defending themselves.
Following the incident, twelve fans were held by Turkish police, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated in a post on X, opens new tab on Monday.
On Sunday night, Fenerbahce players departed Trabzon via private aircraft, escorted by stringent security protocols.
“The violence witnessed after the Turkish Super Lig match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce is absolutely unacceptable- on or off the field, it has no place in our sport or society,” Infantino said in a statement.
“All players have to be safe and secure to play the game which brings such 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 for the perpetrators of the shocking events in Trabzon to be held accountable for their actions.”
There have been other violent incidents in the Turkish league this season, including an attack on a referee by a club president and protests against refereeing decisions.
“We are going through a period that Turkish football is now completely fed by chaos, where tensions are constantly high, and where we cannot use the healing power of football,” Trabzonspor coach Abdullah Avci told reporters on Sunday.
“I don’t understand why this place is so tense. Don’t we have the right to celebrate? We need to overcome these things. We need to be tolerant towards each other and have common sense,” Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal told reporters.
