UEFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood and his Fenerbahce colleague Matteo Guendouzi in the wake of unsavoury incidents that marred their Champions League qualifying play-off victory over Lyon.
The Turkish club triumphed 2-1 at the Groupama Stadium in a second-leg encounter played at the end of August, but the result was eclipsed by chaotic scenes following the final whistle.
Both players stand accused of goading home supporters during post-match celebrations, triggering confrontations that rapidly escalated.
The victory was a landmark moment for Fenerbahce, securing their place in the Champions League main draw for the first time in fifteen years. Yet it is the disorder that followed which now commands attention from European football’s governing body.
Mason Greenwood is accused of goading home supporters during post-match celebrations
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Guendouzi, who represented Lyon’s bitter rivals Marseille from 2021 to 2024, is alleged to have deliberately taunted the home crowd whilst making his way off the pitch after the final whistle.
The provocation sparked physical altercations both on the playing surface and in the tunnel area, drawing in personnel from each side.
Footage from the aftermath revealed a figure apparently wearing Lyon training attire who burst from the tunnel and appeared to launch a flying kick in Guendouzi’s direction.
Meanwhile, several home supporters attempted to force their way onto the pitch as Fenerbahce’s squad celebrated their historic qualification.
Greenwood, who left Old Trafford in the summer, was swept up in the disorder that engulfed the stadium. UEFA’s investigation covers his involvement in the post-match confrontation.
Speaking after the match, Guendouzi offered his perspective on what provoked his behaviour. “You know, when you’ve got 60,000 people insulting your family, your mum, your children — even before the match — and nobody from the refereeing team tells the stadium to be quiet,” he said.
Matteo Guendouzi insisted he only goaded fans because of the abuse that was directed at him
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The French international added that the abuse persisted throughout the entire ninety minutes and even during the warm-up. “That really gets to you. If you want to banter, then it goes both ways. They insulted my mum and my family; to me, that was disrespectful,” he stated.
Guendouzi also noted that in France, matches can be halted when such abuse occurs, yet no intervention came from officials on this occasion.
Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal rallied behind his midfielder. “As a team we all stood together to support Guendouzi. Support was provided. That is what teamwork is all about,” he declared.
Former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi appeared to be targeted with a flying kick by a Lyon coach after provoking a furious post-match brawl during Fenerbahce’s dramatic Champions League triumph | X/edin9makina
Fenerbahce moved swiftly to confirm the UEFA proceedings in an official statement, pledging to mount a robust defence of their players. The club said it would “present the necessary defences before the relevant UEFA committees to protect the rights and interests of both our players and Fenerbahce,” adding that all required documentation would be submitted and that developments were being “closely monitored.”
Greenwood completed a four-year transfer to Fenerbahce from Marseille in July, having departed Manchester United during the summer window.
His new club’s qualification represents their first appearance in the Champions League group stage since 2009, with fixtures against Liverpool, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and AS Roma among those awaiting them.
Should both sides advance through the league phase, Greenwood could yet face his former employers at Old Trafford.
