BY Idris Shehu
Bright Osayi-Samuel, Super Eagles defender, was attacked by a pitch invader after Fenerbache defeated Trabzonspor 3-2 in the Turkey Super Lig.
In videos of the incident circulating on social media, Fenerbache players were on the pitch celebrating the victory when they were set upon by some fans of the home team at Papara Park on Sunday.
In one clip, Osayi-Samuel, who joined Fenerbache in 2021, squared up with a pitch invader whose face is covered in a scarf. The assailant was eventually overpowered by the Super Eagles defender alongside a host of stadium stewards and teammates.
The Fenerbahce players had to be hurried into the tunnel by security as more Trabzonspor fans poured onto the pitch.
Ali Yerlikaya, Turkey’s interior minister, condemned the attack on players by fans and added that the incident is being investigated.
“After the Trabzonspor-Fenerbahçe football match played this evening, identification efforts regarding the spectators entering the field and an investigation into the events that took place after the match were immediately launched,” the minister said.
“Sports is, above all, sportsmanship. It is never acceptable for violence to occur on football fields. The public will be informed about the developments.”
Osayi-Samuel was in the Super Eagles squad that won silver at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year.
On-pitch violence is not new in the Turkey Super Lig. In December, the league was suspended after Faruk Koca, president of MKE Ankaragucu FC, invaded the pitch and punched Halil Umut Meler, the centre referee, after his team conceded a 97th-minute equaliser in a 1-1 Super Lig draw with Caykur Rizespor.
Watch the fan attack Osayi-Samuel below:
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