UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Mason Greenwood, Matteo Guendouzi and Fenerbahce following the Turkish club’s Champions League play-off tie against Lyon.
Fenerbahce confirmed the investigation in a statement released on Thursday, saying it would submit its defence to UEFA and seek to protect the interests of both players and the club.
The proceedings follow a 2-1 victory over Ligue 1 side Lyon last month, a result which secured Fenerbahce’s place in the Champions League for the first time since the 2008-09 season.
The match ended in disorder, with several members of the Lyon support attempting to enter the pitch as the Fenerbahce players celebrated their win. A confrontation also developed between players from the two teams, with a major brawl breaking out after the final whistle.
Guendouzi was reported to have provoked the home supporters during the match. The midfielder has a reputation for antagonising opposing crowds and was said to have angered Lyon fans who were already frustrated with his actions.
The France international later said he had been subjected to sustained abuse by supporters inside the stadium, including insults directed at members of his family.
“You know, when you've got 60,000 people insulting your family, your mum, your children, even before the match - and nobody from the refereeing team tells the stadium to be quiet.
“Because I know that in France, when this sort of thing happens, there comes a point where they'll speak to the supporters and the match might be stopped. For 90 minutes - even longer if you count the warm-up - they were insulting my family.”
Greenwood was also involved in the incidents which followed the match. UEFA’s disciplinary action now includes the former Manchester United forward, Guendouzi and Fenerbahce itself.
In its statement, Fenerbahce said: “Following the UEFA Champions League Play-Off Round second leg match, UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against our players Matteo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood, as well as against our club.
“Our club will present the necessary defences before the relevant UEFA bodies to protect the rights and interests of our players and Fenerbahce. All necessary information, documents, and defences will be submitted to UEFA, and developments are being closely monitored by our club. We inform the public accordingly.”
The club did not disclose the specific charges brought against the players or the potential sanctions they could face. However, both Greenwood and Guendouzi could be punished for their involvement in the scenes after the game.
The pair could miss Fenerbahce’s opening European fixture, which is due to take place in one week’s time as the club begins its Champions League campaign. Fenerbahce’s return to the competition represents its first appearance in the Champions League since 2008-09, making the UEFA investigation an immediate concern for the Turkish side as it prepares for its next match.
UEFA’s proceedings will determine whether either player is suspended and whether any further action is taken against Fenerbahce following the trouble involving the club’s players and the Lyon supporters.