Osayi-Samuel escapes Turkish FA sanction after investigation

Nigerian defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has been cleared of any charges by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) after punching a pitch invader.

Osayi-Samuel defended his teammates from the pitch invader, after his team Fenerbahce’s Turkish Super Lig game at Trabzonspor in March.

Fenerbahce defeated Trabzonspor 3-2 but were confronted by angry Trabzonspor fans who flocked onto the pitch.

The Super Eagles star was forced to confront the invader who was advancing towards the centre circle where the Fenerbahce players assembled.

A viral footage showed the AFCON 2023 silver medalist chasing the fan and punching him in the face, leaving the masked supporter flat on the turf.

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Following the incident, the TFF carried out an investigation and ruled on Monday that no disciplinary action would be taken against Osayi-Samuel.

On their part, Trabzonspor were handed a fine and will play six home games without their fans.

Prior to the TFF decision concerning the fracas, Turkish Sports Lawyer Fatih Şaşıoğlu, had explained why Osayi-Samuel may be acquitted.

“Self-defence provisions are regulated in Criminal Procedure Law. It has been determined as a rule that no punishment will be given for actions taken in order to repel an unfair attack on a right belonging to oneself or someone else, which is certain to occur or be repeated, in a proportionate manner, according to the current conditions.

“However, for an action to be considered as self-defence, it depends on these conditions being met fully and completely.”