​FIFA President Gianni Infantino asked the authorities to take action after the brawl at the end of the match, which was won by Fenerbahçe 3:2 at Trabzonspor (30th stage of the Super League, Turkish Championship).

Fight between Trabzonspor fans and Fenerbahce playersPhoto: Depo Photos/ABACA/Abaca Press/Profimedia

Gianni Infantino: “The players must be safe. Those guilty of violence will be held accountable”

Trabzonspor fans stormed the pitch after the final whistle and attacked Fenerbahce players who fought back to defend themselves.

Turkish police detained 12 fans following the incident at the end of Sunday’s game, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said.

“The violence we witnessed after the Turkish Super League match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce is completely unacceptable, on or off the field, it has no place in our sport or society.

All players must be safe to play this game that brings so much joy to so many people around the world. I call on the competent authorities to ensure that this is followed at all levels and that the perpetrators of the shocking events in Trabzon are held accountable for their actions.” Gianni Infantino, FIFA Presidentquoted by Reuters.

“We are going through a period where Turkish football is completely fueled by chaos, where the tension is constantly high and where we cannot use the healing power of football” – Abdullah Avchi, coach of the Trabzonspor team.

“I don’t understand why this place is so tense. Don’t we have a right to celebrate? We have to overcome these things. We must be tolerant of each other and have common sense” – Ismail Kartal, coach of the Fenerbahce team.

“We are in contact with our representatives and government authorities regarding the incidents that occurred during and after the match” – Football Federation of Turkey.

There have been numerous violent incidents in the Turkish league this season. In December, referee Halil Umut Meler was punched by Faruk Koca, who was the president of the Ankaragücü club at the time.