sport news Fenerbahce players receive raucous reception from fans at Istanbul airport at ... trends now
Fenerbahce fans gathered at an Istanbul airport to welcome their players home at 4am on Monday morning, just hours after they were attacked by rival Trabzonspor supporters.
The violent scenes broke out following a dramatic Super Lig clash that Fenerbahce won 3-2 on Sunday night, with former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi scoring a late winner after ex-Man United midfielder Fred had earlier netted twice.
Trabzonspor fans invaded the pitch after the final whistle to confront the Fenerbahce players, having already thrown flares and other objects onto the playing area, with Batshuayi seen aiming a spinning kick at one supporter, while former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel also fought back.
One fan also appeared to brandish a weapon as they ran onto the pitch during the alarming scenes at Papara Park.
The Fenerbahce players eventually managed to get off the pitch as security intervened, and they headed back to Istanbul late on Sunday evening and into the early hours of Monday morning.
Fenerbahce fans gathered at an Istanbul airport to welcome their players home
The players met some fans and appeared in good spirits just hours after being attacked by rival supporters
Trabzonspor fans invaded the pitch and attacked Fenerbahce players on Sunday night
Fenerbahce players fought back as they tried to defend themselves
The winning goal prompted an immediate reaction from the hostile supporters with flares and other objects thrown onto the pitch
The incident began with a lone supporter charging onto the pitch before former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel intervened
After landing at approximately 4am, they were greeted by a large contingent of fans who had stayed up late into the night to welcome home their heroes.
Supporters lit flares and chanted, with the players then going to meet some of them to thank them for the raucous
