Why Turkish FA may not punish Osayi-Samuel

Contrary to reports (The According and According Sports Extra not included) that Super Eagles star, Bright Osayi-Samuel, could be handed a possible five to 10-game suspension following an altercation with a pitch invader during Fenerbahce’s clash with Trabzonspor, the Nigerian may escape a ban by the Turkish FA, The According reports.

The brawl broke out after the final whistle as Fenerbahçe celebrated its 3-2 win.

Security forces tried to shield Fenerbahçe players, as fans stormed the pitch.

Following the match Turkey’s interior minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed in a post on X, that authorities had launched an investigation into the brawl and to identify the fans who had stormed the pitch.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Turkey Football Federation said, “We are in communication with our representatives and state officials regarding the events that occurred during and after the match played between Trabzonspor A.Ş. and Fenerbahçe A.Ş. in the Trendyol Super League.

“What happened in football, which is a game of friendship, peace and brotherhood, is never acceptable.

“No one should have any doubt that once the investigations are completed, necessary criminal sanctions will be imposed on those responsible for these incidents to prevent them from recurring,” the federation added.

Protecting a female police officer and Belgian teammate Michi Batshuayi, Osayi-Samuel fought back, throwing punches and sending to the floor one of the invading supporters.

While 12 people were detained following investigation, it was also a matter of discussion whether the Fenerbahçe players who responded to the fans would be punished.

Turkish Sports Lawyer

Turkish Sports Lawyer Fatih Şaşıoğlu, while speaking to Mehmet Caner Kolağasıgil from Fanatik, said clubs, players and other club employees may face certain sanctions due to the field incidents following the match played last night (Sunday).

According to Şaşıoğlu, these sanctions are determined in accordance with the Turkish Football Federation Football Disciplinary Instruction.

“I believe that Trabzonspor Club will be fined and punished for playing without spectators due to the actions carried out by Trabzonspor fans entering the competition area. In addition, in accordance with the continuation paragraph of Article 52 of the Instruction, the electronic tickets of spectators who enter the block or blocks where the fans involved in the incidents are located may be blocked for a certain number of competitions,” Şaşıoğlu said.

“People who attack opposing team players and staff after the match played last night will also face sanctions. In accordance with Article 44 of the Football Disciplinary Instruction titled “Attack”, football players who commit an attack may be banned from 5 to 10 matches, officials and other people may be banned from entering the locker room and bench for 5 to 10 matches, or may be given a deprivation of rights for 45 to 90 days.”

Self-defence

However, Article 4 of the of Turkish FA rules states that defence can be carried out against people who enter the competition area and attempt to attack the football players, which is the case of Osayi-Samuel.

“Self-defence provisions are regulated in Criminal Procedure Law. It has been determined as a rule that no punishment will be given for actions taken in order to repel an unfair attack on a right belonging to oneself or someone else, which is certain to occur or be repeated, in a proportionate manner, according to the current conditions. However, for an action to be considered as self-defence, it depends on these conditions being met fully and completely.”

Meanwhile, impressed Fenerbahçe fans have produced a graffiti mural of Osayi-Samuel following the crazy scenes after the game vs Trabzonspor and the Nigerian’s passion for defending his team during the chaotic moments.