Osayi-Samuel’s Turmoil: Super Eagles Star Under Scrutiny by Turkish Disciplinary Committee Following Altercation with Pitch Invaders
Super Eagles and Fenerbahçe defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, will face a panel regarding the pitch invasion incident that occurred in March.
The Turkish Football Federation has called upon the defender, along with some of his teammates, in response to the altercation with Trabzonspor fans who stormed the pitch to confront them after their team’s 3-2 defeat.
The Turkish Football Federation revealed on Monday that the defender is among the three players summoned to a disciplinary hearing following the pitch invasion incident during a league game between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce on March 17.
The attack occurred after the Fenerbahce players and coaching staff celebrated their victory, resulting in Trabzonspor fan punching the visitor’s goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic, in the face.
According to the disciplinary committee of the Turkish FA, players involved in the altercation could face bans ranging from three to five matches.
The statement regarding Osayi-Samuel’s involvement in the fight reads, “Due to his involvement in the Super League match, he has been referred in accordance with Article 45 of the Football Disciplinary Instruction. Players found guilty will be punished and banned for three to five matches.”
Osayi-Samuel, 26, was captured in a viral video throwing a punch at one of the fans who ran onto the pitch. Additionally, Dutch defender Jayden Oosterwolde was accused of kicking the same fan when Trabzonspor supporters invaded the pitch and attacked Fenerbahce players.
Michi Batshuayi will also face the disciplinary body for kicking another invading fan with a spinning kick, while opposition fans swarmed the visitors after the game. Two club employees were involved in a fight as well, as stated by the TFF.
A Trabzonspor assistant coach will also appear before the disciplinary board.
In the aftermath of the incident, 13 Trabzonspor supporters were arrested, with five placed in pre-trial detention.
