Fenerbahçe’s Samuel-Osayi explains why he punched pitch invader in game against Trabzonspor

Super Eagles and Fenerbache versatile wing-back, Bright Osayi-Samuel has defended his act after a video of him exchanging punches with a fan went viral on social media, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 25-year-old has been ever-present for the Yellow Canaries, playing right-back, right wing-back, and right-winger across thirty games this season.

Fenerbahçe have scored the most goals in the Turkish Süper Lig this season, and are second on the league table, two points behind 23-time Süper Lig winners, Galatasaray.

A first-half brace from Brazilian midfielder Fred gave Fenerbache a 2-0 lead against Paul Onuachu's Trabzonspor. Goals from Enis Bardhi and Trezeguet levelled the scores for Trabzonspor before a late-minute winner from Michy Batshuayi sealed all three points for Fenerbache.

After the game, some of the fans clashed with the players as they came onto the pitch, which led to Osayi's altercation with a pitch invader.

Osayi-Samuel, who is currently in camp with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, has revealed he had to get dirty to protect himself and his teammates.

“The fans attacked the team, some had weapons on them, and I had to defend my team, it was self-defence, that’s what happened. My teammates suffered cuts and bruises, some were scared, and several others also joined me to try to defend the team,” the former QPR man said in quotes revealed by Score Nigeria.

Osayi's action, according to reports, could earn him a suspension from all of Fenerbahçe's league games until the 4th of April.

Despite this, the bravery for him, and also the win against Trazbonspor, was satisfactory and worth the sacrifice.

“We found a way to win and avenge our only loss in the league to the same team after they beat us at our home in the first round,” the Nigerian wing-back added.

Osayi played all ninety minutes in Nigeria's 2-1 win over Ghana in Ola Aina's absence. He has been linked with a return to England with Leeds, Crystal Palace, and Wolverhampton Wanderers all interested.

N.B: We want to know your thoughts. Do you think Osayi's excuse justifies his actions? Did he go too far? Let us know in the comments.