Fenerbahce and Lyon clash after Champions League match
Former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi was targeted with a flying kick by a Lyon coach following a heated post-match brawl during Fenerbahce’s dramatic Champions League victory, reports BritPanorama.
The Turkish giants advanced to the Champions League league phase with a 2-1 victory at Groupama Stadium, completing the tie with a 3-2 aggregate win over their French opponents.
However, their celebrations turned chaotic after Guendouzi taunted the home supporters while heading towards the tunnel at full-time. Video footage captured Lyon goalkeeping coach Antonio Ferreira appearing to aim a flying kick at Guendouzi as he exited the pitch.
French newspaper L’Equipe identified Ferreira as the coach involved. A mass confrontation ensued, with players and coaches from both teams rushing towards the tunnel. Reports indicate that punches were thrown as Ferreira was pinned against a wall while security personnel struggled to restore order.
Guendouzi’s evening was marked by hostility as he had spent two seasons at local rivals Marseille. The 27-year-old was subject to boos from the crowd, to which he responded by flipping off supporters pre-match and during play. As Fenerbahce established a 2-0 lead, Guendouzi reportedly shouted at Lyon players, further escalating tensions.
Following the final whistle, several Lyon players confronted Guendouzi, who continued to celebrate provocatively, triggering more confrontations. Fenerbahce players, including goalkeeper Ederson and striker Romelu Lukaku, rushed to defend their teammate.
Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso subsequently criticized Guendouzi for his lack of humility in victory, stating, “You have to stay humble in victory, go celebrate that with your team in the locker room. Well done, congratulations to them, but there’s no real need to do that.” This incident adds to Guendouzi’s controversial reputation, having been frozen out of Arsenal following a confrontation with Brighton striker Neal Maupay and previously excluded from Lorient’s senior squad due to a dressing-room dispute.
Fenerbahce’s victory now sees them in pot three for the Champions League draw on Thursday, while Lyon faces Europa League football after their elimination.
This incident serves as a reminder of how simmering rivalries can ignite passions beyond the pitch, leaving a stark image of sport as both a battleground and a stage for personal conflicts.
