LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – European football’s disciplinary spotlight has swung sharply onto Fenerbahce‘s Mason Greenwood and Matteo Guendouzi, after UEFA issued bans and heavy fines following a violent post‑match brawl that erupted in the aftermath of Fenerbahce’s Champions League play‑off victory over Lyon.
Guendouzi, the fiery French midfielder, received a four‑match European ban, with two games suspended, and a €50,000 fine for what UEFA described as “insulting others present at the match, provoking spectators and violating the basic rules of decent conduct.”
His punishment reflects the governing body’s view that he played a central role in escalating tensions after Fenerbahce’s 3–2 aggregate win.
Greenwood, who joined Fenerbahce this summer from Marseille, was handed a one‑match suspended ban and a €30,000 fine for “violating the basic rules of decent conduct.”
The English striker was involved in the tunnel melee but avoided the harsher sanctions given to others.
Lyon’s goalkeeping coach Antonio Ferreira received the stiffest penalty: a five‑match ban, with two suspended, for what UEFA labelled a “serious assault” during the clashes.
READ ALSO: ICC WCq: Junior Female YellowGreens Storm Into Final With Win Over Rwanda – VONa Communications
Both clubs were also fined €50,000 for failing to control their teams.
The incident unfolded after Guendouzi repeatedly booed throughout the match appeared to taunt Lyon supporters at full‑time.
He was ushered away by teammates, but tensions flared again when an individual in Lyon kit confronted him near the tunnel. Security staff and players from both sides became embroiled, leading to a full‑scale melee.
Guendouzi later defended his actions, telling reporters he felt “disrespected” by fans who hurled personal insults at him.
“When you have 60,000 people insulting your family, your mother, your children, even before the game and no-one on the referee’s side tells the crowd to be quiet.
“I know that in France, when this kind of thing happens, there comes a point where they’ll talk to the fans to stop and maybe stop the match.” he said, adding that he believed he had the right to celebrate.
The fallout now leaves Fenerbahce without Guendouzi for key European fixtures, while Greenwood must avoid further infractions during his one‑year probationary period
Lyon, meanwhile, face scrutiny over their staff conduct as UEFA continues to review footage of the chaotic scenes.
