Fenerbahce players receive raucous reception from fans at Istanbul airport at 4am after being attacked by rival Trabzonspor supporters… as FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemns ‘absolutely unacceptable’ scenes

Fenerbahce fans gathered at an Istanbul airport to welcome their players home at 4am on Monday morning, just hours after they were attacked by rival Trabzonspor supporters.

The violent scenes broke out following a dramatic Super Lig clash that Fenerbahce won 3-2 on Sunday night, with former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi scoring a late winner after ex-Man United midfielder Fred had earlier netted twice.

Trabzonspor fans invaded the pitch after the final whistle to confront the Fenerbahce players, having already thrown flares and other objects onto the playing area, with Batshuayi seen aiming a spinning kick at one supporter, while former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel also fought back.

One fan also appeared to brandish a weapon as they ran onto the pitch during the alarming scenes at Papara Park.

The Fenerbahce players eventually managed to get off the pitch as security intervened, and they headed back to Istanbul late on Sunday evening and into the early hours of Monday morning.

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After landing at approximately 4am, they were greeted by a large contingent of fans who had stayed up late into the night to welcome home their heroes.

Supporters lit flares and chanted, with the players then going to meet some of them to thank them for the raucous reception.

The players were seen smiling as they greeted their fans, appearing delighted to be back home after the scary ordeal they were put through following their match the previous evening.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino issued a response to the crowd violence on social media as he condemned the actions of the home supporters. 

‘The violence witnessed after the Turkish Super Lig match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce is absolutely unacceptable – on or off the pitch, it has no place in our sport or society,’ he wrote.

‘I have said it before, and I will say it again – without exception, in football, all players have to be safe and secure to play the game which brings such joy to so many people all over the world.

‘I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is respected at all levels and for the perpetrators of the shocking events in Trabzon to be held accountable for their actions.’ 

Turkey’s interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya, also hit out at the behaviour of the Trabzonspor supporters on Sunday night, confirming an investigation was already underway.

He posted on X: ‘After the Trabzonspor-Fenerbahçe football match played this evening, identification efforts regarding the spectators entering the field and an investigation into the events that took place after the match were immediately launched. 

‘Sports is, above all, sportsmanship. It is never acceptable for violence to occur on football fields. 

‘The public will be informed about the developments.’

The shocking scenes mark just the latest controversial incident to emanate from the Turkish top flight this season.

In December, Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca physically attacked referee Halil Umut Meler in the aftermath of his side’s draw with Rizespor.

Others then laid into him with a series of kicks as he curled up on the ground covering his face.

A large crowd of players, coaching staff and security were quick to race to the scene and stop the attack, with the shaken Meler suffering a minor fracture during the incident.

The match official spent more than a week in hospital following the vicious assault where he was visited by Yerlikaya before returning to his duties in January.

All Turkish leagues were suspended following the incident before being resumed following a one-week hiatus.