Fenerbahce players Mason Greenwood and Matteo Guendouzi face potential UEFA Champions League bans after European football's governing body opened a disciplinary investigation into post-match chaos.
The Turkish club confirmed on Thursday that UEFA has initiated formal proceedings against both players and the club itself following the fiery play-off round second-leg clash against French side Lyon last month. Fenerbahce progressed to the League Phase of Europe's premier tournament after securing a 2-1 victory on the night, completing a 3-2 aggregate win.
However, the victory was marred by ugly scenes at full-time, where former Arsenal midfielder Guendouzi and former Manchester United forward Greenwood were involved in heated confrontations with home fans and opposition personnel.
Greenwood grabbed his crotch and pulled a face in the direction of the home supporters following the final whistle. Guendouzi similarly grabbed his crotch while shouting "Allez l'OM", meaning "Go Marseille", in a reference to Lyon's arch-rivals Olympique de Marseille.
The pair later posed together in the Fenerbahce dressing room, where they made gestures with their fingers. On Thursday, an official statement from Fenerbahce confirmed that Greenwood and Guendouzi were under investigation due to their behaviour.
"Following the UEFA Champions League Play-Off Round second-leg match, a disciplinary process has been initiated by UEFA concerning our players Matteo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood, as well as our club," Fenerbahce stated.
"Our club will present the necessary defences before the relevant UEFA committees to protect the rights and interests of both our players and Fenerbahce. All required information, documents, and defences will be submitted to UEFA, and developments are being closely monitored by our club. We present this to the public for information."
Tunnel altercation and flying kick
At the centre of the post-match turmoil was Guendouzi, who was seen goading Lyon supporters as he left the field. The 27-year-old's antics provoked a furious reaction from Antonio Ferreira, the goalkeeping coach for Lyon, who was identified by French newspaper L'Equipe.
Chaotic footage captured from the stands showed Ferreira emerging from the tunnel and appearing to aim a flying kick at Guendouzi as the player walked off. The situation quickly degenerated into a violent melee involving players and staff members from both clubs.
Punches were thrown in the direction of Ferreira as he was pinned against a wall during the clash. Security staff on site were forced to hold back escalating groups of players and coaches.
Guendouzi had been at the centre of controversy throughout the match. The former Gunners midfielder was seen giving home fans the middle finger before kick-off and during the game in response to persistent boos and jeers aimed in his direction.
Tensions boil over on the pitch
Tempers had flared on the pitch during the game, with reports claiming Guendouzi shouted "we're f****ng you" towards his opponents when Fenerbahce took a 2-0 lead. At full-time, Lyon players reacted angrily and shoved the Frenchman before Fenerbahce teammates, including Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson and Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, rushed to his defence.
Following the match, Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso hit out at Guendouzi over his conduct during post-game comments.
"You have to stay humble in victory, go celebrate that with your team in the locker room," Tolisso said. "Well done, congratulations to them, but there's no real need to do that."
Guendouzi later defended his actions, insisting that Lyon supporters had insulted his family throughout the evening. Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal also offered his support to the midfielder following the incident.
Background and upcoming European fixtures
Both players carry history in French football that heightened tensions during the tie. Guendouzi and Greenwood previously represented Olympique de Marseille, the traditional rival of Olympique Lyonnais in French football. Guendouzi, who spent four years with Premier League side Arsenal between 2018 and 2022, joined Fenerbahce alongside Greenwood, who moved to Turkey after a spell in France following his exit from Manchester United.
Fenerbahce, based in Istanbul, are one of Turkey's most successful clubs, competing in the Süper Lig. Winning the play-off tie earned Fenerbahce a place in the League Phase of the UEFA Champions League, the elite European tournament organised by UEFA.
Fenerbahce open their European campaign at home to Italian Serie A side Roma next Thursday. However, it remains to be seen whether UEFA's disciplinary proceedings will conclude before the match takes place.
