UEFA Bans Fenerbahce Duo Greenwood and Guendouzi After Champions League Brawl
UEFA has suspended Fenerbahce duo Mason Greenwood and Matteo Guendouzi for their roles in the chaotic post-match brawl that erupted following their Champions League play-off victory over Lyon last month.
The Turkish side secured a dramatic 2-1 win in France on August 26, progressing 3-2 on aggregate to reach the Champions League league phase for the first time in 18 years. However, the celebrations quickly turned ugly as former Marseille players Greenwood and Guendouzi became embroiled in clashes with Lyon players and coaching staff.
Guendouzi Hit With Heavy Sanction
Former Arsenal midfielder Guendouzi has received the harshest punishment. UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body suspended the Frenchman for four UEFA club competition matches and fined him €50,000 ($58,000). The charges included “insulting others present at the match, provoking spectators and violating the basic rules of decent conduct”.
Two of the four matches are suspended for a one-year probationary period, meaning Guendouzi will serve an immediate two-match ban. He will miss Fenerbahce’s opening Champions League league phase fixtures against Roma at home and Aston Villa away.
Guendouzi was found guilty of giving the middle finger to Lyon supporters, shouting “Allez l’OM” (Go Marseille) towards a pitchside camera, and making provocative gestures that led to the post-match scuffle.
Greenwood Receives Suspended Ban
His English teammate Mason Greenwood, formerly of Manchester United, received a one-match suspended ban and a €30,000 fine for “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”. The suspension carries a one-year probationary period, meaning Greenwood will not immediately miss any matches unless the sanction is activated.
Both players had previously played for Lyon’s fierce rivals Marseille, which added fuel to the already heated atmosphere.
Lyon Staff and Clubs Also Punished
Lyon goalkeeping coach Antonio Ferreira received the most severe individual punishment—a five-match ban, with two matches suspended, for “serious assault”. Footage showed Ferreira emerging from the tunnel and appearing to aim a flying kick at Guendouzi as he walked off, sparking a violent melee involving players and staff from both sides.
Both clubs were also heavily fined. Fenerbahce received penalties totaling €95,000 for pyrotechnics, crowd disturbances, and general conduct violations. Lyon was fined €108,500 for throwing objects, pyrotechnics, and conduct violations.
Guendouzi Defends Actions
Speaking after the match, Guendouzi defended his celebrations, claiming he felt “disrespected” by Lyon supporters who had insulted his family throughout the game.
“When you have 60,000 people insulting your family, your mother, your children, even before the game and no one on the referee’s side tells the crowd to be quiet,” he said.
“I know that in France, when this kind of thing happens, there comes a point where they’ll talk to the fans to stop and maybe stop the match”.
Fenerbahce has confirmed it will appeal the sanctions before the UEFA Appeals Committee.
Fenerbahce to Appeal
The Turkish club announced that its legal department is reviewing the decisions and will pursue arbitration and appeal procedures.
“Our club will pursue the necessary arbitration applications and appeal procedures before the UEFA Appeals Committee against the sanctions imposed,” Fenerbahce said.
Conclusion
UEFA’s disciplinary action underscores the serious consequences of the chaotic scenes that marred Fenerbahce’s historic Champions League qualification. While the club celebrates its return to Europe’s elite competition after 18 years, the suspensions and fines serve as a reminder that on-field success must be matched by conduct befitting the sport’s highest standards