Pitch chaos after Fenerbahçe's victory over Lyon: Guendouzi tension may reach UEFA's agenda
A UEFA investigation is expected following the scuffle that broke out after the match in Lyon, where Fenerbahçe secured their Champions League ticket.
12punto
Tensions flared on the pitch and in the locker room tunnel following the match in which Fenerbahçe defeated Lyon 2-1 away, securing their spot in the Champions League for the first time in 17 years. Post-match footage highlighted scuffles involving players and members of the technical staff.
At the center of the events was Fenerbahçe's Matteo Guendouzi. Footage showed the French player, who previously played for Lyon's arch-rivals Marseille, gesturing with his middle finger toward the stands during warm-ups and shouting "Allez l'OM" after the match. It was also alleged that Mason Greenwood made a similar gesture.
Guendouzi's post-match celebrations further incited the Lyon stands. While some fans were seen attempting to enter the pitch, it was reported that Fenerbahçe players tried to escort Guendouzi away. During this time, some Lyon players reportedly approached the French player, intervened, and threw water at him.
TENSION ALSO IN THE TUNNEL
The tension on the pitch spilled over into the locker room corridor. It was reported that as Guendouzi was being led away by Romelu Lukaku and Milan Škriniar, Lyon goalkeeping coach Antonio Ferreira emerged from the tunnel area and kicked the player, which triggered a new altercation.
International news agencies reported that UEFA is expected to launch an investigation into the events that occurred after the match. The potential disciplinary process is expected to examine the conduct of both players and technical staff members.
Speaking after the match, Guendouzi stated that Lyon fans had insulted his family throughout the game. The French player said, "If you want to provoke, it goes both ways. They insulted my family, and that was disrespectful to me. I think it's sad if we can't celebrate as we want afterward."
Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso described Guendouzi's behavior as "irresponsible." Stating that the player should learn from what happened, Tolisso said, "I told him to remain humble in victory and to celebrate with his teammates in the locker room. There was no need for this."
The 27-year-old Guendouzi has played for the French national team as well as Arsenal, Marseille, and Lazio. The French midfielder joined Fenerbahçe on a permanent transfer in January.