UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Mason Greenwood, Matteo Guendouzi and Fenerbahce following incidents after the Turkish club’s Champions League play-off victory over Lyon.
Fenerbahce secured a place in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2008-09 season by beating the Ligue 1 side 2-1 last month. However, the match ended in controversy when several members of the home crowd attempted to enter the pitch as Fenerbahce’s players celebrated their win.
The confrontation followed an exchange involving Guendouzi, who was reported to have taunted Lyon supporters during the game. The midfielder has developed a reputation for provoking opposing crowds and said afterwards that he had been subjected to sustained abuse from the stands.
Guendouzi claimed the home supporters had targeted members of his family and criticised the lack of intervention from the officials.
“You know, when you’ve got 60,000 people insulting your family, your mum, your children, even before the match – and nobody from the refereeing team tells the stadium to be quiet.
“Because I know that in France, when this sort of thing happens, there comes a point where they’ll speak to the supporters and the match might be stopped. For 90 minutes – even longer if you count the warm-up – they were insulting my family.”
Greenwood was also involved in the post-match antics, with UEFA now investigating both players as well as Fenerbahce. The Turkish club confirmed the proceedings in a statement released on Thursday.
“Following the UEFA Champions League Play-Off Round second leg match, UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against our players Matteo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood, as well as against our club.
“Our club will present the necessary defences before the relevant UEFA bodies to protect the rights and interests of our players and Fenerbahce. All necessary information, documents, and defences will be submitted to UEFA, and developments are being closely monitored by our club. We inform the public accordingly.”
The disciplinary action comes after a large brawl involving players from Fenerbahce and Lyon broke out following the final whistle. UEFA’s investigation could lead to punishment for Guendouzi and Greenwood, although the nature of any sanctions has not yet been stated.
The pair could therefore be unavailable for Fenerbahce’s opening European fixture, which is due to take place in one week’s time as the club begins its Champions League campaign.
Fenerbahce’s qualification marked their return to the competition’s main stage for the first time since the 2008-09 season, but the attention surrounding the Lyon tie has now shifted towards the conduct of the players, the crowd disturbances and the disciplinary proceedings initiated by UEFA.
