Bright Osayi-Samuel exonerated in Turkey after defender mercilessly punches pitch invader

Ayomikun Elemikan Sports 03/04/2024

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the fallout of his clash with Trabzonspor fans last month.

Turkish sources confirmed Super Eagles defender Osayi-Samuel will not face any disciplinary action following the incident.

The event occurred during a Turkish Super Lig clash between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce. It ended in a 3-2 victory for the latter.

Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, who has now been exonerated in Turkey, is seen charging towards a masked pitch invader. (Image: Score Nigeria)

Following the game, Trabzonspor supporters invaded the pitch, sparking chaotic scenes. This ultimately led to a scuffle which involved the Super Eagles defender.

In a viral video, Osayi-Samuel was seen punching a pitch invader who had charged towards him and his teammates.

The player was initially charged with misconduct by the Turkish Football Federation along with two of his teammates. This meant he faced the possibility of disciplinary action for his part in the brawl.

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According to Score Nigeria, his two other teammates were handed one-match ban each.

Osayi-Samuel free; Trabzonspor punished

However, reports from Turkish outlet A Spor confirms the former QPR right-back has now been cleared of any wrongdoing.

While Osayi-Samuel has escaped punishment, Trabzonspor will still face repercussions for failing to control their fans on the night. The club has been handed a six-match fan ban in the aftermath of the incident.

Fenerbahce fans have fallen further in love with the former Blackpool star following his actions after he Fenerbahce-Trabzonspor encounter. (Image: Sports Ration)

Fan favourite

It is worthy to note that Osayi-Samuel’s actions after that match had been met with praise from Fenerbahce faithfuls.

The fans even drew a graffiti of the 26-year-old Okija-born player punching the pitch invader.

A graffiti drawn by Fenerbahce fans to show love and support for Super Eagles player Bright Osayi-Samuel (Image: Reddit)

Osayi-Samuel’s most recent game for Nigeria was a 2-0 loss to Mali in an international friendly on March 26. Four days earlier, he featured prominently as the Super Eagles beat Ghana 2-1 thanks to Cyriel Dessers’ and Ademola Lookman’s goals.