In the aftermath of a violent altercation between Trabzonspor fans and Fenerbahçe players during a Turkey Süper Lig match, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned the incident.
The brawl erupted after Fenerbahçe secured a 3-2 victory, with Trabzonspor supporters storming the pitch and assaulting the opposing team’s players.
In a statement released on social media, Infantino expressed unequivocal disapproval of the violence, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in football or society at large. He reiterated the fundamental importance of ensuring the safety and security of all players, calling on authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Turkey’s interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed that an investigation has been launched to identify the individuals involved in the assault.
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The Turkey Football Federation also denounced the violence, asserting that such incidents are unacceptable in football, a sport built on principles of friendship and peace. The federation pledged to impose necessary criminal sanctions on those responsible for the violence.
Trabzonspor coach Abdullah Avci lamented the state of Turkish football, characterizing it as chaotic and fraught with tension. Fenerbahçe manager Ismail Kartal urged for tolerance and common sense in addressing such conflicts.
This incident adds to the string of controversies plaguing Turkish football, including the recent resignation of a club president for assaulting a referee and protests over referee-related decisions.
As investigations unfold and repercussions are considered, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the imperative to uphold the integrity and spirit of the beautiful game.
