European giant threatens to withdraw from their domestic league after players attacked

A European giant is threatening to withdraw from their league days after their players were attacked by opposition fans.

Last weekend shocking videos and images emerged of Fenerbahce players being attacked by opposition fans on the pitch following their 3-2 away win against Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig.

Missiles rained down from the stands during the second half and struck several players including Edin Dzeko, Dusan Tadic and goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. The latter was left bleeding after being hit on the chin by a coin.

After the final whistle, several Trabzonspor fans ran onto the pitch and confronted the Fenerbahce players.

Nigeria international Bright Osayi-Samuel and Dutch full-back Jayden Oosterwolde fought back, the former landing a punch on one fan. Michy Batshuayi aimed a spinning kick at one pitch invader but missed.

The incident occurred months after a Turkish club president ran onto a pitch and punched a referee.

Following the incident, Fenerbahce are threatening to withdraw from the Turkish Super Lig, and are expected to put the issue to a general assembly of the club’s members on April 2.

The Turkish giants are upset that no significant action has been taken after their players were placed in danger, but according to The Athletic, the decision has also been motivated by alleged historical 'unfair treatment' by the Turkish authorities and government.

Past incidents Fenerbahce feel aggrieved about include a similar incident that occurred on the final day of the 2005-06 season, plus the time bullets were fired at the team coach in 2015.

Trabzonspor fans invaded the pitch and attacked Fenerbahce players.

Another is the Turkish match-fixing scandal of 2011, when Fenerbahce faced various allegations.

The club’s former president, Aziz Yildirim, was jailed for six years, but in 2020 his conviction was quashed and the club was cleared of any wrongdoing.

The club also believe they have been unfairly treated by referees.

Earlier this week club president Ali Koc said: "The treatment Fenerbahce receives is not something we can tolerate."

If Fenerbahce decide to withdraw from the league then they will forfeit their remaining matches and be relegated to the Turkish second division.

Fenerbahce's arch-rivals Galatasaray are currently top of the table by two points and would be handed the title.