Mason Greenwood and Matteo Guendouzi have been handed UEFA disciplinary sanctions following the heated scenes that erupted after Fenerbahçe’s Champions League play-off victory over Lyon.
UEFA has fined Guendouzi €50,000 and suspended him for four UEFA club competition matches, although two of those matches have been suspended for a one-year probationary period. The French midfielder will therefore serve an immediate two-match suspension.
Greenwood, meanwhile, has been fined €30,000 and given a one-match suspension, which is also suspended for a one-year probationary period. UEFA’s disciplinary body ruled that the Fenerbahçe forward breached its basic rules of decent conduct.
The sanctions stem from the aftermath of Fenerbahçe’s 2-1 victory over Lyon in the second leg of their Champions League play-off on August 26. The Turkish club advanced to the league phase with a 3-2 aggregate victory, but celebrations quickly descended into confrontation.
Guendouzi, a former Marseille player, was accused of insulting people present at the match, provoking spectators and violating UEFA’s basic rules of decent conduct. Greenwood was sanctioned for his involvement in conduct that breached the same basic rules.
The incident involved provocative gestures towards Lyon supporters before tensions escalated into clashes involving players and members of both coaching staffs. Guendouzi later said Lyon supporters had repeatedly insulted his family during the match.
“For 90 minutes, and even more during the warm-up, they insulted my family. It is something that affects you deeply,” Guendouzi said after the incident.
Lyon goalkeeping coach Antonio Ferreira has also been punished. UEFA handed him a five-match suspension for what it described as “serious assault,” with two of those matches suspended for one year.
The clubs were also sanctioned over incidents surrounding the match, including crowd disturbances and the use of pyrotechnics. UEFA’s disciplinary action adds another layer of controversy to a tie that already produced intense drama on the pitch.
Fenerbahçe had previously said it would defend its players during the disciplinary process, stating: “Our Club will present the necessary defenses before the relevant UEFA committees in order to protect the rights and interests of our players and Fenerbahçe.”
Guendouzi’s immediate suspension is set to affect Fenerbahçe’s Champions League campaign, while Greenwood’s ban remains deferred unless further disciplinary issues trigger it during the probationary period.
