The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has issued a summons to Super Eagles right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel, along with four other Fenerbahçe players, over their involvement in the altercation that occurred after the club's 3-2 away victory against Trabzonspor on March 17th.
Fenerbahçe defender Jayden Oosterwolde and goalkeeper İrfan Can Eğribayat have also been summoned by the TFF along with Kürşat Çiftlik and Okan Özkan, officials of the club. Trabzonspor manager Egemen Kormaz is also to appear before the TFF.
Osayi-Samuel is said to have breached Article 45 of the Turkish Football Federation's Disciplinary Instruction. Thirteen Trabzonspor supporters were arrested with five placed in pre-trial detention.
Background: March 17th
Chaos ensued at Papara Park following Fenerbahce's triumph over Trabzonspor, with Osayi-Samuel finding himself in a solitary altercation as he confronted a Trabzonspor supporter amidst a group of pitch invaders.
Fenerbahce established a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to two goals from Fred. However, a spirited second-half performance from the hosts saw them equalise with strikes from Enis Bardhi and Egyptian forward Mahmoud Trezeguet.
Belgian international Michy Batshuayi netted a decisive goal in the closing moments, securing a crucial away victory for Fenerbahce. Following Batshuayi's goal, supporters of Trabzonspor stormed the pitch.
The former Queens Park Rangers (QPR) player performed a spinning back kick as a fan invaded the pitch and approached him and his teammates.
The players had gathered at the center of the pitch to celebrate when a masked Trabzonspor fan entered the field, trying to provoke them.
Security quickly intervened to apprehend the intruder, but it didn't prevent an altercation involving Osayi-Samuel. The Nigerian international pursued the intruder, throwing a punch before restraining him until security could detain the fan.
The 26-year-old broke free from his teammates' grasp to initiate the attack on the fan.
Turkish government's statement on the Papara Park incident
Following the violent scenes, Turkey’s interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya, announced the opening of an investigation into the incident.
“After the Trabzonspor-Fenerbahce football match played this evening, an investigation has been initiated immediately to identify the spectators who entered the pitch and to investigate the incidents that took place at the end of the match,” he wrote on X.
“Incidents of violence on football pitches are never acceptable.”
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) called the events “unacceptable” and said in a statement that “the necessary criminal sanctions will be imposed on those responsible for these incidents.”
Osayi-Samuel asserts self-defense following altercation with attacker
In response, Osayi-Samuel has stated that the Trabzonspor fans who assaulted him and his teammates were armed. He characterised his actions as self-defense, emphasising his sense of duty to protect his fellow players on the pitch.
“The fans attacked the team, some had weapons on them, and I had to defend my team, it was self-defence, that’s what happened. My teammates suffered cuts and bruises, some were scared, and several others also joined me to try to defend the team,” Osayi-Samuel said, as quoted by Score Nigeria.
“We found a way to win and avenge our only loss in the league to the same team after they beat us at our home in the first round.”
Osayi-Samuel could face ban if found guilty in disciplinary proceedings
A part of the statement released by the TFF indicated that players found guilty will be punished and could face a ban of three to five matches.
Consequently, Osayi-Samuel faces the possibility of being banned for between three to five games.
Is a return to England on the cards for Osayi-Samuel?
After leaving Blackpool, where he developed as a youth academy graduate, Osayi-Samuel embarked on a promising journey in English football.
He made his professional debut on March 7, 2015, showcasing his talent in a 1–0 home defeat against Sheffield Wednesday.
During his time with the team, he achieved a commendable record, scoring four goals in 64 league appearances and five goals in 79 total games.
In 2017, Osayi-Samuel made a significant move to Championship side QPR, signing a three-year deal. His debut for QPR occurred on September 23, 2017, as a substitute in a 0–0 home draw against Burton Albion.
He scored his first goal for the club on April 28, 2018, contributing to a 3-1 victory over Birmingham City. Throughout his tenure with QPR, he tallied an impressive 11 goals in 103 league matches and a total of 13 goals in 115 appearances across all competitions.
However, in January 2021, Osayi-Samuel sought a new challenge and signed a pre-contract agreement to join Turkish side Fenerbahçe on a four-year deal starting in July 2021.
Now, with speculation circulating about a possible return to England, it appears that Osayi-Samuel may be contemplating a comeback to English football, where he initially rose to prominence.
