RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Matteo Guendouzi sparks massive brawl after Fenerbahce beat Lyon to qualify for the Champions League
Fenerbahce midfielder Matteo Guendouzi sparked a massive brawl after their Champions League play-off victory over Lyon.
The former Marseille midfielder was at the centre of a huge melee involving players and staff.
Fenerbahce booked their place in the Champions League after a 2-1 aggregate victory, following a 1-1 draw in Turkey and a 1-0 win in France.
However, the result was overshadowed by ugly scenes at the Groupama Stadium.
Guendouzi , who spent time at Marseille and remains a popular figure among their supporters, riled up the home crowd throughout a fiery evening.
The 27-year-old was seen showing his middle finger to Lyon supporters during the warm-up. They were more agitated after Fenerbahce took control of the tie.
At full-time, Guendouzi celebrated in front of the furious home players, spreading his arms and appearing to taunt them.
His actions prompted a confrontation, with Lyon players surrounding the Frenchman before teammates rushed in to protect him.
The situation quickly descended into an ugly scene, with members of both coaching staffs becoming involved as players tried to separate one another.
Guendouzi then took his celebrations a step further, making the famous Jul hand gesture associated with Marseille before shouting ‘Allez l’OM’ towards the Lyon supporters.
The former Arsenal man was subsequently involved in another confrontation as he headed towards the tunnel.
Footage showed home supporters throwing objects in his direction, while a Lyon staff member confronted the midfielder.
Fenerbahce players, including Ederson, intervened as tempers boiled over, with security personnel struggling to keep the rival groups apart.
Scenes inside the tunnel showed more players and staff involved in heated exchanges, with punches and slaps thrown during a chaotic clash involving more than 20 people.
Guendouzi will likely face disciplinary action for his gestures and involvement in the confrontation, while UEFA will also investigate the other scenes.
Fenerbahce can celebrate the result for now. However, Guendouzi’s antics mean they will likely play some games in that league phase without the influential but hot-headed ace.
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