Former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi attempted a wild spinning kick on a fan during a pitch invasion in Turkey. Batshuayi’s Fenerbahce team-mates were celebrating a crucial win over rivals Trabzonspor when opposition supporters stormed onto the pitch.
Batshuayi struck an 87th-minute winner after ex-Manchester United midfielder Fred had scored a brace for the visitors. The Fenerbahce players huddled in the middle of the pitch to celebrate but were interrupted when a solitary Trabzonspor supporter made their way onto the grass to goad them.
With stewards chasing the individual, hundreds of Trabzonspor fans managed to breach security and make a beeline for the Fenerbahce players in ugly scenes. The situation quickly spiralled out of control in yet another disastrous episode for the Turkish football authorities.
One individual was seen running towards the touchline to get to the Fenerbahce coaching staff. However, Batshuayi, who had his back to the person, spins and attempts a high kick.
The 30-year-old’s foot makes contact with the man but he did not seem deterred. He continued to run to the side of the pitch but was intercepted by security.
Former Queens Park Rangers winger Bright Osayi-Samuel then knocked another pitch invader flying with a ferocious punch. The individual was subsequently bundled by stewards.
Fenerbahce’s players darted for the tunnel to get away from the Trabzonspor fans as they streamed onto the pitch. Both teams will likely face strong punishments over the incidents, which follow a series of horror episodes in Turkish football.
Back in December, Ankaragucu president Faruk Kocu stormed onto the pitch and punched referee Halil Umut Meler. The Super Lig was subsequently suspended for several weeks, while Kocu was arrested.
A month later, the Mirror reported that an unnamed Turkish club had refused to do business with agent Sky Andrew. A text message sent to Andrew – whose clientele once included Sol Campbell and Jermaine Pennant – read: “In Turkey they don’t do business with black people because they don’t trust (sic).”
Fenerbahce’s victory over Trabzonspor extended the gap between the second- and third-placed teams to a remarkable 30 points. A two-horse race in the Super Lig sees Fenerbahce two points behind leaders Galatasaray, whose total is 81 after 30 matches.
Batshuayi has scored nine goals in 21 league appearances this season. The Belgian left Chelsea in 2022 after a series of loan spells.
