UEFA bans Matteo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood after Fenerbahce-Lyon brawl
Matteo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood have been handed suspensions and fines by UEFA following a mass brawl in the Champions League play-off match between Fenerbahce and Lyon.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Author: Werner100359
UEFA has confirmed disciplinary sanctions following the explosive scenes that occurred after the Champions League play-off match between Lyon and Fenerbahce on August 26. The mass brawl that broke out after the final whistle has resulted in significant penalties for key players and staff involved.
Midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has been identified as the primary catalyst for the incident due to his provocative behavior towards fans and opponents. He has been fined €50,000 and handed a four-match suspension from UEFA club competitions, with two of those matches suspended for a one-year probationary period. Consequently, he will miss Fenerbahce's opening league phase fixtures against Roma and Aston Villa.
Guendouzi attempted to dismiss his actions as 'just banter' and part of the competitive atmosphere, but the official ruling stated his behavior breached acceptable limits of sporting rivalry.
Forward Mason Greenwood was also sanctioned for his role in the confrontation, receiving a one-match ban and a €30,000 fine for violating fundamental rules of conduct. Furthermore, the club itself has been ordered to pay €95,000 in fines related to supporter behavior, including the use of fireworks and crowd disturbances.
The disciplinary action extended to the French side as well. Lyon's goalkeeping coach, Antonio Ferreira, was handed a five-match suspension for a serious assault on Guendouzi during the brawl. Olympique Lyonnais also faces substantial financial penalties for stadium management issues and fan misconduct throughout the heated tie.