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Nigerian defender Bright Osayi-Samuel had to punch a pitch invader to fend him off as violence erupted after a Turkish Super Lig match between Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor.
Nigerian defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, representing Turkish club Fenerbahce, found himself in the midst of chaos after a Turkish Super Lig match against Trabzonspor, where he was seen knocking down a violent pitch invader.
Following Fenerbahce's 3-2 victory over Trabzonspor, tensions rose as players gathered to celebrate. Amidst the celebration, a Trabzonspor fan breached security and entered the pitch, prompting Osayi-Samuel to act.
Video footage circulating on social media captured Osayi-Samuel confronting and ultimately punching the masked invader, causing him to fall to the ground. The defender had to be restrained by teammates and security personnel as the situation escalated.
The incident occurred amidst a chaotic scene, with multiple Trabzonspor supporters bypassing security, some resorting to violence and others hurling objects onto the pitch. Fenerbahce players and staff sought refuge in the tunnel as tensions flared.
Osayi-Samuel, who joined Fenerbahce from QPR in 2021 after starting his career at Blackpool, has become a key player for the Turkish side, making 126 appearances.
His actions during the post-match chaos highlight the challenges faced by players in maintaining security and composure in heated situations.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is among those who have condemned the incident, saying the scenes were "absolutely unacceptable.”
In his reaction to the disturbing incidents, Infantino emphasised the paramount importance of player safety and urged for those responsible to be held accountable.
"The violence witnessed after the Turkish Süper Lig match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahçe is absolutely unacceptable - on or off the field, it has no place in our sport or society," the FIFA president stated.
"I have said it before, and I will say it again - without exception, in football, all players have to be safe and secure to play the game which brings such joy to so many people all over the world.”
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