Contrary to reports (The PUNCH and PUNCH Sports Extra not included) that Nigerian player Bright Osayi-Samuel could face a possible suspension of five to 10 games after an incident with a fan during Fenerbahce’s game with Trabzonspor, there is a chance that the Turkish FA may not ban him, The PUNCH reports.
A fight broke out after the game as Fenerbahçe celebrated their 3-2 victory.
Security tried to protect the Fenerbahçe players as fans entered the field.
After the match, Turkey’s interior minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that authorities were investigating the fight and trying to identify the fans who had entered the field.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Turkey Football Federation said, “We are in communication with our representatives and state officials regarding the events that occurred during and after the match played between Trabzonspor A.Ş. and Fenerbahçe A.Ş. in the Trendyol Super League.
“What happened in football, which is a game of friendship, peace and brotherhood, is never acceptable.
“No one should have any doubt that once the investigations are completed, necessary criminal sanctions will be imposed on those responsible for these incidents to prevent them from recurring,” the federation added.
In order to protect a female police officer and his teammate Michi Batshuayi, Osayi-Samuel fought back, throwing punches and bringing down one of the invading supporters.
While 12 people were arrested after the investigation, there is also debate about whether the Fenerbahçe players who responded to the fans will be punished.
Turkish Sports Lawyer
Turkish Sports Lawyer Fatih Şaşıoğlu, in a conversation with Mehmet Caner Kolağasıgil from Fanatik, mentioned that clubs, players, and other club employees could face penalties due to the incidents on the field after the last night's game.
According to Şaşıoğlu, these penalties are determined in line with the Turkish Football Federation Football Disciplinary Instruction.
“I think that Trabzonspor Club will be fined and punished for playing without spectators due to the actions carried out by Trabzonspor fans entering the competition area. Also, based on the continuation paragraph of Article 52 of the Instruction, the electronic tickets of spectators who enter the block where the fans involved in the incidents are located may be blocked for a certain number of games,” Şaşıoğlu said.
“People who attack opposing team players and staff after the game may also face penalties. According to Article 44 of the Football Disciplinary Instruction titled “Attack”, football players who commit an attack may be banned from 5 to 10 matches, officials and other people may be banned from entering the locker room and bench for 5 to 10 matches, or may be given a deprivation of rights for 45 to 90 days.”
Self-defence
However, Article 4 of the Turkish FA rules states that players can defend themselves against people who enter the competition area and attempt to attack them, as was the case with Osayi-Samuel.
The Criminal Procedure Law regulates the rules for self-defense. It states that no punishment will be given for defending oneself or someone else from an unfair attack, if the actions are necessary and proportionate under the current circumstances. However, for an action to be considered self-defense, all the conditions must be fully met.
Fenerbahçe fans have created a graffiti mural of Osayi-Samuel after the chaotic scenes following the game against Trabzonspor, highlighting the Nigerian player's commitment to defending his team.
