A professional soccer match in Turkey ended in chaos Sunday as fans stormed the pitch to attack the opposing team as they celebrated a win.
The scene unfolded after Fenerbahce defeated Trabzonspor 3-2 in a dramatic Turkish Süper Lig match that saw the game-winning goal come in the 87th minute.
As Fenerbahce began celebrating at midfield, the Trabzonspor fans loudly booed and then started to jump onto the field and charge toward Fenerbahce players.
WILD & SCARY SCENES in Turkey as Trabzonspor fans storm the field, trying to attack Fenerbahce players celebrating a 3-2 comeback win. 😳
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) March 17, 2024
Match-winner Michy Batshuayi also on-target with a karate kick at 0:41 as Fener players forced to defend themselves.pic.twitter.com/XNqZtLSUKe
One fan in particular led the charge, squaring up with players until security arrived and pulled him off. That, however, appeared to only enrage Trabzonspor fans, as more jumped onto the pitch, forcing players to defend themselves.
Fenerbahce was forced to retreat to the locker room as the situation devolved to dangerous levels.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the incident the following day in a statement on social media, asking that relevant authorities to investigate and punish the fans who perpetrated the event.
"The violence witnessed after the Turkish Süper Lig match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahçe is absolutely unacceptable - on or off the field, it has no place in our sport or society," Infantino said. "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."
