Fenerbahce midfielder Matteo Guendouzi caused controversy on Wednesday, August 26, after aiming middle fingers at Olympique Lyonnais supporters during warm-ups in Decines.
The 27-year-old French international made the offensive gesture as loud jeers echoed from the stands prior to the Champions League playoff match between Fenerbahce and Lyon.
Guendouzi, who has earned 16 caps for the France national team, reacted to the hostile reception at a packed Parc OL shortly after stepping onto the pitch. The decisive fixture determined progress to the Champions League group stage after the two clubs played out a 1-1 draw in Turkey the previous week.
The animosity toward Guendouzi dates back to his spell with Lyon's traditional rivals, Olympique de Marseille. The midfielder, a native of Poissy in the Yvelines department, made 103 appearances for Marseille between 2021 and 2023.
Known as a particularly temperamental player during his career in France, Guendouzi left an unfavorable memory among Lyon supporters. The encounter in Decines began in an electric atmosphere following his gesture.
Social media reaction and past criticism
Footage of the incident, published online by Canal+ Foot, quickly went viral across social media platforms. The reaction was overwhelmingly negative, with numerous commentators condemning the player and calling his behavior shameful and detestable.
The controversy comes amidst previous criticism directed at the player. Guendouzi has previously faced severe public criticism from a former Serie A player who questioned his abilities on the pitch.
The match also took place against the backdrop of medical concerns for the Turkish club. A Turkish international player representing Fenerbahce was recently rushed to the hospital following a severe head collision, with initial assessments suggesting a potential absence of 10 to 15 days.
Transfer disputes and legal troubles
Off the field, Fenerbahce has also been involved in transfer complications. The club publicly accused Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad of causing the breakdown of a proposed transfer for French international N'Golo Kante due to an incorrect entry during administrative processing.
Additionally, the Istanbul club has dealt with legal issues involving former squad members. Two professional footballers received prison sentences after being convicted of an assault committed while playing for Fenerbahce.
