The aftermath of the chaotic derby continues! Fans stormed the pitch and attacked players; Sports Lawyer Deniz Akbıyık evaluates for 12punto:

Ercan KÜÇÜK - 12punto.com.tr

The incidents that took place during the Trabzonspor-Fenerbahçe match, played in Trabzon in the 30th week of the Süper Lig, have left their mark on the agenda. Following the match, which Fenerbahçe won 3-2, fans of the burgundy-blue team stormed the pitch and attacked Fenerbahçe players. Sports Lawyer Deniz Akbıyık evaluated the chaotic match.

BEHAVIOR BEYOND SELF-DEFENSE

Lawyer Akbıyık emphasized that the Fenerbahçe players faced great danger and stated that the athletes should have been taken to a safe area immediately. Akbıyık commented on the potential penalties the Fenerbahçe players might face:

“Fenerbahçe athletes faced a great danger; in such a situation, what is expected is for the athletes to be taken to a safe area as soon as possible, because as people who professionally earn their living with their bodies, even the slightest blow will have a very negative impact on both their own careers and their teams.

However, unfortunately, as we saw in the footage released yesterday, this did not happen; we watched a fight. Although fans should not have entered the pitch and attacked the athletes in the first place, it is possible for the athletes to be penalized for any behavior that goes beyond self-defense. Especially when looking at the footage released to the media, physical violence by Osayi and Oosterwolde is visible. We all watched the footage of the violence continuing even after the fan who jumped onto the pitch was neutralized; in this case, I foresee that disciplinary sanctions will be on the agenda.”

Lawyer Akbıyık also drew attention to the difference in the scale of the penalty received by Beşiktaş player Josef de Souza for stopping a fan during the incidents that occurred after the Ankaragücü-Beşiktaş match. Akbıyık stated:

“My personal opinion is that Josef's action was aimed at stopping the aggressive fan and did not exceed the limits, as the act of violence did not continue after he stopped. It is difficult to say who will receive what penalty with the information and evidence we have; the incident will be clarified with referee reports and additional evidence, and a clearer opinion will be possible. However, as I stated before, I am of the opinion that acts of violence that exceed the limits of self-defense will be penalized.”

HEAVY TOLL FOR TRABZONSPOR

Lawyer Akbıyık also said the following regarding the penalties expected for Trabzonspor:

“Regarding Trabzonspor; before getting to the fans who jumped onto the pitch, one must talk about the water bottles thrown from all blocks and the ugly and bad chants starting from the 56th minute. While the relevant actions are already subject to disciplinary sanctions, the incidents that occurred on top of that will multiply the penalties to be given. As the host team, the necessary security measures and similar obligations also belong to Trabzonspor; for this reason, I am of the opinion that disciplinary penalties will be on the agenda.

Again, since we do not have access to all the evidence, it is not possible to speak definitively. However, due to the presence of multiple violations together, I foresee that high fines and penalties such as stadium closures and playing behind closed doors will be on the agenda.”

The Ministry of Interior announced that 12 people have been detained regarding the incidents. Lawyer Akbıyık answered the question, “What will happen to the fans who entered the pitch and attacked the players?” as follows:

“As for the fans who entered the pitch, they will undoubtedly be subject to Law No. 6222 and disciplinary sanctions and will be penalized. In fact, not just 6222; if the claim regarding the knife is true, there are also actions that constitute crimes under the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), especially regarding the use of a knife and a flag pole like a spear.”

“REGULATIONS DO NOT PREVENT VIOLENCE”

During the incidents, it was also seen that some fans entered the pitch with knives in their hands. This revealed the security gap in the match. Is the only reason for the gap private security? Lawyer Akbıyık answered as follows:

“The reason for this security gap can actually be said to be everyone... Because it is seen that the regulations made do not prevent violence. Unfortunately, the responsibility of everyone, from security guards to official authorities, from the host club to the fans, can be discussed. Bringing sharp and piercing tools into sports areas is not acceptable. While sports should improve society in terms of morality and health, unfortunately, the images create an impression to the contrary.”

So, how will the chaos caused by violence in football be solved? Lawyer Akbıyık stated that the deterioration in society is also reflected in football. Akbıyık said:

“Unfortunately, I don't know the answer to this question either; the point we have reached is quite bad. Certain deteriorations occurring in every point of society are also spreading to football. The day we realize that sports should be an example and that we are interested in it not to fight but to have a pleasant time, something might change. At the same time, it is inevitable that a change for the better will occur with the increase in qualified people who value sports and sports science and who develop themselves in this context.”