FIFA Condemns Unacceptable Violence Following Trabzonspor vs. Fenerbahçe Süper Lig Match
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned the violent incidents that occurred after Trabzonspor fans stormed the pitch and attacked Fenerbahçe players following their Süper Lig match on Sunday.
The unsavory events unfolded as Fenerbahçe celebrated their hard-fought 3-2 victory, with security forces attempting to shield the players from the rampaging fans. Infantino expressed his dismay through a statement released on social media, stating, “The violence witnessed after the Turkish Süper Lig match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahçe is absolutely unacceptable – on or off the field, it has no place in our sport or society.”
Infantino continued by emphasizing the importance of safety and security for all players involved in football. He urged relevant authorities to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Turkey’s interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya, also confirmed that an investigation was underway to identify the perpetrators of the brawl.
The Turkey Football Federation released a statement expressing their disappointment over the incidents, emphasizing that such behavior was unbecoming of football – a game known for friendship, peace, and brotherhood. The federation pledged to impose necessary criminal sanctions once the investigations were completed.
Trabzonspor coach Abdullah Avci was quoted by BBC Sport as saying, “We are going through a period where Turkish football is now completely fed by chaos, where tensions are constantly high, and where we cannot use the healing power of football.” Fenerbahçe manager Ismail Kartal expressed his confusion about the tensions and urged tolerance and common sense.
These disturbing events mark the latest controversy to rock Turkish football. In December, Ankaragücü president Faruk Koca resigned after punching a FIFA-licensed referee in the face. Furthermore, several protests have been reported due to referee-related decisions.
The football community worldwide is left grappling with these developments, calling for a return to the spirit of fair play, respect, and unity that the sport embodies.
