Uefa has announced that Fenerbahce midfielder Matteo Guendouzi will serve a two-match ban in the Champions League following a series of provocative actions during a recent match against Lyon. The incident occurred during the play-off round on August 26, where Fenerbahce triumphed 2-1, securing their place in the prestigious tournament for the first time in 18 years.
The 27-year-old Guendouzi, who previously played for Lyon's fierce rivals, Marseille, found himself at the center of a chaotic scene that escalated into a brawl both before and after the match. His actions included making gestures towards the home fans and shouting slogans that incited further unrest. As a result, Uefa's disciplinary committee ruled against him for violating rules concerning decent conduct, specifically for insulting players and provoking spectators.
Guendouzi's ban means he will miss Fenerbahce's upcoming home match against AS Roma on October 5, as well as their away fixture against Aston Villa on October 14. However, he will be eligible to return for the final six matches of the group stage, starting with a game against Slavia Prague on October 20.
In addition to the ban, Guendouzi has been fined €50,000 (£43,000) for his conduct during the match. His actions included making middle-finger gestures to the Lyon supporters during warm-ups and after the final whistle, as well as shouting “Allez l’OM” while grabbing his crotch. Guendouzi later claimed that he was subjected to insults directed at his family from Lyon fans throughout the match.
Fenerbahce's summer signing Mason Greenwood also faced disciplinary action, receiving a €30,000 (£26,000) fine and a one-game suspension that has been deferred for a probationary period of one year. This follows Greenwood's own violation of decent conduct rules. Meanwhile, Lyon's goalkeeper coach, Antonio Ferreira, has been handed a three-match ban in the Europa League for a serious assault on Guendouzi.
The incidents have drawn attention to the growing tensions in Turkish football, particularly as Fenerbahce has been trying to reclaim its position in the league after falling behind local rivals Galatasaray. Both clubs will be competing in the Champions League this season, making these disciplinary actions particularly significant as they could impact their performances in the tournament.
Uefa has also imposed a fine of €50,000 (£43,000) on Fenerbahce for breaches of conduct, along with an additional €45,000 (£39,000) for fan misconduct. Lyon, facing multiple charges, has been fined €108,500 (£93,000) ahead of their Europa League fixtures, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding fan behavior and player conduct in European competitions.
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