Fenerbahce pair Mason Greenwood and Matteo Guendouzi investigated by UEFA after Lyon clashes

UEFA is investigating Fenerbahce players Mason Greenwood and Matteo Guendouzi following allegations that offensive gestures were directed towards Lyon supporters during their Champions League qualifying tie.

Fenerbahce progressed past Lyon 3-2 on aggregate in the preliminary round, but the second leg in France ended with confrontations on the pitch. The trouble then continued in the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms.

UEFA has charged the two Fenerbahce players over the alleged use of inappropriate gestures towards the opposing fans. The case follows a match that concluded in disorder after Fenerbahce secured their place in the next stage of the competition.

Guendouzi was accused of making offensive gestures with his hands and towards sensitive areas of his body in the direction of the Lyon support. He was also reported to have said: “هيا مارسيليا”.

The reference was significant because the rivalry between Lyon and Marseille is one of the most historic and intense in French football. Marseille are among Lyon’s major domestic rivals, making the remark particularly provocative in the context of the celebrations and tension surrounding the tie.

Fenerbahce have confirmed that they are preparing a defence before UEFA in an effort to protect the interests of their players. The Turkish club said it would provide all the necessary information and documents to the governing body and continue to monitor developments in the case.

No outcome has yet been given in relation to the UEFA investigation. The allegations concern the events surrounding the second leg in France, where the post-match confrontations extended beyond the field of play and into the route used by the players to reach the dressing rooms.

Fenerbahce’s reward for overcoming Lyon is a place in the league phase of the Champions League. Their scheduled fixtures include a home match against Liverpool, followed by an away game at Atletico Madrid.

The Turkish side will then host Roma before travelling to face Aston Villa. Villarreal will visit Fenerbahce, while the club will play away against Shakhtar.

The remaining league-phase fixtures will see Fenerbahce host Slavia Praha and travel to face LASK. The full schedule is Liverpool at home, Atletico Madrid away, Roma at home, Aston Villa away, Villarreal at home, Shakhtar away, Slavia Praha at home and LASK away.

The UEFA investigation means the incidents from the Lyon tie could continue to affect Fenerbahce after their successful qualification. The club has said it will follow the proceedings and submit the material required as the governing body considers the allegations against Greenwood and Guendouzi.