Alex Djiku revealed the harrowing experience he endured as Fenerbahce faced violent attacks from Trabzonspor fans following their 3-2 Super Lig win.
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Fenerbahce players attackedTension boiled over after the final whistleDjiku opens up on experienceWHAT HAPPENED?
At the final whistle, scenes of violence unfolded as Trabzonspor fans stormed the pitch, targeting Fenerbahce players. Fenerbahce goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was punched, while players Michy Batshuayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel found themselves embroiled in altercations with home supporters.
AdvertisementGetty/XTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The longstanding rivalry between the two clubs has been fraught with tension, escalating since the dramatic 2011 league title win by Fenerbahce, secured on goal difference to the detriment of their opponents. And the late victory in Sunday's match, which kept Fenerbahce two points behind title rivals Galatasaray, further heightened tensions between the clubs.
WHAT DJIKU SAID
In an interview with Djiku expressed the fear that gripped him and his teammates during the violent onslaught.
"There was a feeling of fear for our lives, because when a supporter is ready to do battle you never know what might happen," he said.
"The start of the game went very well, both on and off the pitch, with us winning 2-0. In the second half, the fans started throwing water bottles, coins and smoke bombs.
"The referee, the stadium announcer and the Trabzonspor players repeatedly asked the fans to calm down to avoid stopping the match. At the final whistle, we celebrated the victory in the middle of the pitch – as we do at every match – given that we were playing against the third-placed team and that Galatasaray had won against Kasimpasa. We saw one fan enter the pitch and within seconds several more, until the stewards were completely overwhelmed. Hundreds of people were coming towards us and the pitch was completely invaded.
"We all went in at the same time on the recommendation of the stewards and with the help of the Trabzonspor players. It all happened very quickly. Some of my team-mates had no choice but to defend themselves to save their lives. Personally, I was lucky not to have been hit, unlike my team-mate Livakovic and some others."
INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY TO NAB THE CULPRITS
The reprehensible actions of the supporters have drawn widespread condemnation, with Turkey's interior minister Ali Yerlikaya and FIFA President Gianni Infantino both denouncing the violence. An investigation has been launched to address the incident and hold those responsible to account.
"When we arrived in the dressing room we were still in shock and dismay at what had just happened," said Djiku. "We didn't think that celebrating a victory could lead to so much happening. The safety of footballers should be the sole responsibility of clubs. We felt that it was extremely sad for both teams and for Turkish football in terms of the images that were sent back."
