Bright Osayi-Samuel: Super Eagles star summoned by TFF as sanctions loom for Trabzonspor, Fenerbahçe chaos

The Turkish Football Federation has summoned Super Eagles full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel in the wake of violent scenes that marred a championship match, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osayi-Samuel joins three other Fenerbahçe personnel, who are under scrutiny for their ignoble roles during the chaos that followed the clash between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce before the last international break.

The incident unfolded on March 17th at Trabzonspor’s Papara Park in Trabzon, where chaos ensued as jubilant Fenerbahçe players celebrated their 3-2 away victory.

Amidst the post-match frenzy, Osayi-Samuel reportedly punched a masked supporter who had breached the field, an act that swiftly landed him in the disciplinary spotlight.

Aside from Osayi-Samuel, Fenerbahçe’s Dutch defender Jayden Oosterwolde was also summoned for allegedly kicking the same supporter, as per RFI. 

Adding to the fray, two club employees from Fenerbahçe are also being called to account for their involvement in the altercation.

In a broader context, the ramifications extend beyond Fenerbahçe’s camp, as an assistant coach from Trabzonspor has also been summoned in connection to the incident, further entangling both clubs in the disciplinary process.

The repercussions of the violence have reverberated throughout Turkey, drawing stark comparisons to a previous incident just three months prior, where a club manager’s assault on a referee rocked the Süper Lig.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino minced no words in condemning the recent violence, denouncing it as “absolutely unacceptable.”

In the aftermath, law enforcement detained thirteen Trabzonspor supporters, with five facing pre-trial detention.

However, the general secretary of Trabzonspor has called for their release, asserting that they were unjustly apprehended.

Osayi-Samuel has been with Fenerbahce since 2021 when he joined from English side Queens Park Rangers.

The versatile 26-year-old defender won the Turkish Cup with Fener last year. He has three goals in 16 league appearances this season as Fenerbahce chase down Galatasaray for the Super Lig title.