Violence in Turkey: Infantino calls for action

Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, has called for action after Trabzonspor supporters invaded the pitch and clashed with Fenerbahce players on Sunday night.

Fenerbahce were celebrating their 3-2 win – secured thanks to an 87th-minute Michy Batshuayi goal – on the pitch when home supporters charged towards the visiting players.

Batshuayi was seen kicking out towards an invading fan, while Bright Osayi-Samuel appeared to swing a fist at another supporter.

Images showed one of the fans entering the pitch and appearing to attempt to use the corner flag as a weapon.

Security staff eventually helped Fenerbahce players down the tunnel and into their dressing room.

Infantino described the violence as “absolutely unacceptable” and called on the “relevant authorities” to ensure action is taken.

“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 society,” Infantino posted on social media.

Kenjiro Shinozuka profile on SnapLap
A Trabzonspor supporter, right, confronts Fenerbahce's players during clashes at the end of Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce at the Senol Gunes stadium in Trabzon, Turkey, Sunday, March 17, 2024. Clashes erupted between Trabzonspor fans and Fenerbahce players after local supporters stormed in the pitch at the end of the Turkish Super Lig match. (Huseyin Yavuz/Dia Images via AP)