Infantino condemns 'Unacceptable' violence after Nigeria's Osayi-Samuel channeled inner Joshua

FIFA President Gianni Infantino calls for accountability after shocking pitch invasion scenes in Turkey between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned the "absolutely unacceptable" scenes of violence that marred the Turkish Süper Lig clash between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce over the weekend.

Trabzonspor 3-2 home defeat to Fenerbahce on Sunday was overshadowed by a shocking post-match pitch invasion where players from both sides were attacked by fans who stormed the field.

Infantino: 'No Place in Football or Society'

In disturbing footage, Nigeria international Bright Osayi-Samuel, who started at wing-back for Fenerbahce, was seen throwing a punch to floor one of the invading supporters after they charged at the visiting players.

Reacting to the unacceptable incidents, Infantino insisted player safety must be the top priority and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable.

"The violence witnessed after the Turkish Süper Lig match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahçe is absolutely unacceptable - on or off the field, it has no place in our sport or society," the FIFA president stated.

"I have said it before, and I will say it again - without exception, in football, all players have to be safe and secure to play the game which brings such joy to so many people all over the world.

"I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is respected at all levels and for the perpetrators of the shocking events in Trabzon to be held accountable for their actions."

Osayi-Samuel Fought Back

While the violent scenes were completely inexcusable, 25-year-old Osayi-Samuel could be praised for his admirable attempt to defend himself and his teammates from the invading fans.

Having started the match for Fenerbahce, the former QPR man showed he won't be intimidated by throwing a powerful punch at one charging fan in an act of self-defense.

It capped an unsavoury evening in Trabzon and one which UEFA and Turkish football authorities will surely look to punish severely to prevent any future repetitions.

Osayi-Samuel's involvement is unlikely to be punished given the extraordinary circumstances of having to protect himself from the mindless perpetrators.

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