In a significant disciplinary action, UEFA has handed down a two-match suspension to Mattéo Guendouzi, a midfielder for Fenerbahce, following his involvement in a series of heated incidents during the club's recent Champions League playoff match against Lyon. The match, which took place on August 26, ended in a 2-1 victory for Fenerbahce, marking the Turkish club's return to the Champions League after an 18-year absence.
Guendouzi, who previously played for Lyon's rival Marseille, found himself at the center of controversy both before and after the match. The game was marred by a mass brawl that erupted, leading to multiple disciplinary actions from UEFA. As a result of his actions, Guendouzi will miss Fenerbahce's upcoming matches against Roma on September 21 and Aston Villa on October 14.
In addition to Guendouzi's suspension, Fenerbahce forward Mason Greenwood received a one-match ban, which has been deferred for one year of probation. This decision was also part of UEFA's disciplinary verdicts released on Friday. Greenwood, who joined Fenerbahce in the offseason, was charged with violating decent conduct rules during the incident.
Another significant penalty was issued to Lyon's goalkeeper coach, Antonio Ferreira, who received a three-match ban for what UEFA described as a "serious assault." Ferreira was involved in a post-game altercation where he allegedly aimed a leaping kick at Guendouzi near the players' tunnel.
UEFA's ruling highlighted Guendouzi's violations of conduct rules, which included insulting players and provoking spectators. The 27-year-old was fined €50,000 (approximately $58,000) for his actions, while Greenwood was fined €30,000 (around $35,000) for his role in the disturbances.
During the warmup and after the match, Guendouzi was seen making provocative gestures towards Lyon fans, including raising his middle fingers and shouting, "Allez l’OM" ("Go Marseille"), while also engaging in inappropriate behavior. Guendouzi later claimed that Lyon supporters had insulted his family throughout the match, which he cited as a contributing factor to his actions.
Both Guendouzi and Greenwood's transfers to Fenerbahce were part of a significant investment by the Istanbul club, which has struggled to keep pace with city rivals Galatasaray in recent seasons. Galatasaray is also competing in the Champions League this year, making Fenerbahce's return to the tournament even more notable.
In response to the incidents, UEFA also imposed a fine of €50,000 on Fenerbahce for violating conduct rules and an additional €45,000 for fan misconduct. Lyon, facing multiple charges, was fined a total of €108,500 (approximately $126,000) and will begin its campaign in the Europa League against Anderlecht next Thursday.
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