Violence erupted on Sunday night in the Turkish Super Lig after a dramatic 3-2 victory for Fenerbahce over Trabzonspor. The win, secured by a late Michy Batshuayi goal, sparked fury among Trabzonspor fans, leading to a chaotic Trabzonspor pitch invasion. 

As the final whistle blew in the Black Sea city of Trabzon, disgruntled Trabzonspor supporters stormed the pitch, confronting the celebrating Fenerbahce players. The situation quickly turned ugly, with reports of fans kicking and punching visiting players. 

Video footage circulating online captured the disturbing scenes, placing the Trabzonspor pitch invasion under intense scrutiny.

Trabzonspor Pitch Invasion Erupts After Fenerbahce Clinch Dramatic Victory

Fenerbahce players, including defender Bright Asayi-Samuel and forward Michy Batshuayi, defended themselves against the aggression. Asayi-Samuel landed a punch that knocked down a pitch invader, while Batshuayi used a high kick to deter another charging fan. Security personnel eventually intervened, escorting the shaken Fenerbahce players off the field.

This incident follows a string of concerning events in Turkish football. Just months ago, the president of another top club faced arrest for assaulting a referee. In response, the Turkish Football Federation implemented a temporary suspension of league matches.

Determined to address the violence, Turkish authorities swiftly took action. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the arrest of 12 individuals connected to the Trabzonspor pitch invasion. The detained group includes a fan who threw a projectile at Fenerbahce coach İsmail Kartal, the first person to breach the pitch, a supporter who charged at players with a corner flag, and an individual who struck Fenerbahce goalkeeper Dominic Livakovic.

Turkish Authorities Move Swiftly to Address The Invasion

Yerlikaya emphasized that a thorough investigation is underway to identify all those involved in the Trabzonspor pitch invasion. He further declared that violence on the football pitch is "unacceptable" and vowed to hold perpetrators accountable.

The Turkish Football Federation echoed these sentiments, condemning the incident and promising to punish those responsible after a thorough investigation.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino also took to social media, expressing his condemnation of the "absolutely unacceptable" incidents. He urged Turkish authorities to ensure the perpetrators face consequences.

The chaotic Trabzonspor pitch invasion casts a dark shadow over Turkish football. With the league title race between Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce and Galatasaray heating up, it's crucial for authorities and governing bodies to take decisive action to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.

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Image credit of AP