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Published on 2024-04-03 15:19:36
Nigerian defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has been exonerated by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) following an incident where he punched a pitch invader during a game between his team Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig in March. Despite being confronted by angry Trabzonspor fans after Fenerbahce’s 3-2 victory, Osayi-Samuel took it upon himself to defend his teammates from the pitch invader who was making his way towards them.
In a viral video of the incident, Osayi-Samuel can be seen chasing the masked fan and punching him in the face, causing the intruder to fall to the ground. The TFF launched an investigation into the matter and ultimately decided not to take any disciplinary action against Osayi-Samuel. Instead, Trabzonspor was fined and forced to play the next six home games without their fans.
Before the TFF made their decision, Turkish Sports Lawyer Fatih Şaşıoğlu offered some insight as to why Osayi-Samuel might be acquitted for his actions. He explained that self-defence provisions in the Criminal Procedure Law allow for actions taken to repel an unfair attack on oneself or others, as long as the response is proportionate and meets certain conditions. It was determined that Osayi-Samuel’s actions during the incident met these criteria for self-defence.
The TFF’s ruling in favor of Osayi-Samuel comes as a relief to the player, who risked facing disciplinary action for his actions on the pitch that day. By clearing him of any charges, the TFF has acknowledged the circumstances surrounding the incident and deemed Osayi-Samuel’s response as justified given the situation.
Moving forward, Osayi-Samuel can continue to focus on his football career with Fenerbahce without the looming threat of punishment hanging over his head. The defender’s quick thinking and protective instinct towards his teammates have been applauded by fans and supporters, further solidifying his status as a valued member of the team.
Overall, the TFF’s decision to clear Osayi-Samuel of any wrongdoing serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring player safety and the right to self-defence on the field. It also highlights the need for authorities to thoroughly investigate such incidents before making a final judgment. Osayi-Samuel can now put this incident behind him and continue to excel in his professional football career without the shadow of a potential ban or suspension.
