LIVE UPDATES
Violence erupted after Fenerbahce's dramatic 3-2 win over Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig.
Fans stormed the pitch as the final whistle blew and Fenerbahce celebrated, leading to a chaotic scene. Security forces intervened to shield the players, but tensions remained high.
Turkey's interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed an investigation into the brawl and the identification of the pitch invaders.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) also released a statement condemning the incident and vowing to punish those responsible.
Amid the chaos, Nigerian player Bright Osayi-Samuel found himself confronted by a pitch invader.
Protecting a female police officer and teammate Michy Batshuayi, Osayi-Samuel reacted by throwing punches and knocking the invader to the ground.
While 12 people were detained following the incident, questions arose regarding potential punishment for Fenerbahce players who responded to the fans. Turkish Sports Lawyer Fatih Şaşıoğlu outlined potential sanctions based on the TFF Football Disciplinary Instruction.
Trabzonspor could face fines and a spectator ban due to the fan actions. Additionally, fans involved could have their electronic tickets blocked for future matches.
However, a glimmer of hope emerged for Osayi-Samuel. Article 4 of the TFF rules allows for self-defence against those entering the field with the intent to attack players. This aligns with Osayi-Samuel's actions in protecting himself and his teammates.
Undeterred by the possibility of a ban, Fenerbahce fans have taken to social media to praise Osayi-Samuel's bravery. The player's act of defending his team has even inspired a graffiti mural, showcasing the strong support he enjoys.
The investigation into the brawl continues, and the TFF's final decisions regarding punishment are yet to be announced.
While Osayi-Samuel may escape a ban due to self-defence considerations, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved security measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
