ISTANBUL (AP) — Fenerbahce players Mattéo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood are facing charges from UEFA due to alleged provocations directed at Lyon fans during a recent Champions League qualifying playoff match. The Turkish club announced the news on Thursday, highlighting the seriousness of the situation as they prepare for the main phase of the tournament.
Both Guendouzi and Greenwood, who previously played for Fenerbahce's French rival Marseille, were observed making offensive gestures during the match. Their actions came after Fenerbahce secured a 2-1 victory in the second leg against Lyon, marking their first advancement to the Champions League group stage in 18 years.
During the warmup and after the match, Guendouzi was seen raising his middle finger towards the Lyon supporters and shouting “Allez l’OM” (“Go Marseille”), while also making inappropriate gestures. He later claimed that Lyon fans had insulted his family throughout the match, which may have contributed to his emotional response.
The timeline for UEFA’s disciplinary actions remains uncertain, particularly as Fenerbahce is set to begin their Champions League campaign next Thursday with a home match against AS Roma. Their subsequent game will take place on October 14 against Aston Villa in England, making the potential sanctions a pressing concern for the club.
While Fenerbahce did not disclose the specific charges against Guendouzi and Greenwood, they emphasized their commitment to protecting the rights and interests of both players and the club. This incident comes at a time when Fenerbahce is looking to re-establish itself as a dominant force in Turkish football.
In recent years, Fenerbahce has struggled to keep pace with their city rivals, Galatasaray, and has not claimed the Turkish league title since 2014. The club has made significant investments in their squad, including the recent signings of high-profile players such as Romelu Lukaku and Nathan Aké, who both participated in the World Cup, as well as N’Golo Kanté earlier this year. These moves reflect Fenerbahce's ambition to return to the top of Turkish football and make a notable impact in European competitions.
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