Rédaction Africa Links 24 with James Agberebi
Published on 2024-04-01 16:45:46
Fenerbahce’s Nigerian defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, is set to attend a disciplinary hearing held by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) following an altercation with Trabzonspor fans after a league match on March 17. This announcement was made by the Turkish Football body on the 1st of April, 2024. Osayi-Samuel is among three Fenerbahce players who will be summoned to the disciplinary hearing. The incident occurred when Trabzonspor supporters invaded the pitch following the conclusion of the game, which Fenerbahce had won 3-2 as the away team. Chaos ensued as the Fenerbahce players and coaching staff celebrated their victory in the center of the pitch. Osayi-Samuel, in particular, was involved in a physical altercation with one of the fans who had a mask covering his face. He was restrained by security personnel as he punched the fan. The incident gained notoriety as a mural depicting the incident was created, immortalizing Osayi-Samuel’s actions. As a result of the confrontation, 13 Trabzonspor fans were arrested, with five of them being held in pre-trial detention. This violent episode is just one among several that have plagued Turkish football during this season. Earlier in the term, the league was suspended for a week after the president of Ankaragucu physically attacked a referee at the conclusion of a first division match. Moreover, games between Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor have also been marred by violence in the past. In 2016, a match between the two clubs had to be abandoned in the final minutes when an assistant referee was assaulted by a Trabzonspor supporter. Such incidents highlight the need for greater measures to ensure the safety and security of players, officials, and fans within the Turkish football framework. The disciplinary hearing will provide an opportunity for Osayi-Samuel and his Fenerbahce teammates to address their actions and potentially face appropriate consequences for their involvement in the altercation. It is crucial for professional athletes to uphold standards of conduct both on and off the field, as their actions can have a significant impact on the reputation of their clubs and the sport as a whole.
