Mattéo Guendouzi Receives Two-Game Ban After Lyon Clash
NYON, Switzerland — Mattéo Guendouzi will miss Fenerbahce’s long-awaited return to the Champions League group stage after UEFA handed the midfielder a two-match suspension for his role in the chaotic playoff win at Lyon.
The 27-year-old, a former Marseille player and long-time antagonist for Lyon fans, stood at the center of the storm during and after Fenerbahce’s 2-1 victory in France on Aug. 26 — a result that sent the Istanbul club back into Europe’s elite competition for the first time in 18 years.
The price of that night is now clear.
Guendouzi banned, Greenwood on probation
UEFA’s disciplinary body ruled that Guendouzi committed “violations of the basic rules of decent conduct,” insulted “players or others present at the match,” and provoked spectators. He has been banned from Fenerbahce’s first two Champions League fixtures: the home opener against Roma next Thursday and the trip to Aston Villa on Oct. 14.
On top of the suspension, Guendouzi was fined 50,000 euros ($58,000).
The tension between player and crowd had been obvious from the warmup. Guendouzi twice raised his middle fingers toward Lyon supporters, including after the final whistle, shouted “Allez l’OM” — a pointed “Go Marseille” salute in enemy territory — and grabbed his crotch in wild post-match scenes. He later claimed Lyon fans had insulted his family before and during the game.
Mason Greenwood, another high-profile Fenerbahce signing this summer, escaped with a lighter sanction. UEFA imposed a one-game ban on the forward for violating rules of decent conduct, but deferred it for a year, effectively placing him on probation. Greenwood was also fined 30,000 euros ($35,000).
Lyon coach hit with assault ban
The ugliest moment came after the match near the players’ tunnel, where a mass confrontation broke out. Lyon goalkeeper coach Antonio Ferreira received a three-game ban from Europa League fixtures, with two additional games suspended, after UEFA classified his actions as “serious assault.” Television footage showed Ferreira launching a leaping kick at Guendouzi amid the post-game chaos.
Lyon, who drop into the Europa League and start their campaign at Anderlecht next Thursday, were fined a total of 108,500 euros ($126,000) on a series of disciplinary charges.
Heavy fines for Fenerbahce
The fallout did not stop with individual punishments. UEFA also sanctioned Fenerbahce as a club, fining them 50,000 euros ($58,000) for violating rules of decent conduct and a further 45,000 euros ($52,000) for fan misconduct.
Fenerbahce have invested heavily this offseason, bringing in Guendouzi and Greenwood as part of a push to close the gap on domestic rival Galatasaray and re-establish themselves in Europe. Galatasaray will also line up in the Champions League this season.
Fenerbahce are finally back on the biggest stage. They will have to start it without one of their most combustible — and now most costly — characters.
