UEFA has issued bans and fines to former Arsenal player Matteo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood following their involvement in unsportsmanlike conduct after a Champions League qualifier between Fenerbahce and Lyon. Fenerbahce advanced to the League Phase by winning the second leg 2-1, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Guendouzi has been handed a four-match ban, with two of those suspended for one year, and fined €50,000 (£43,000) for insulting attendees, provoking spectators, and violating basic rules of decency. He will miss Fenerbahce's opening league phase matches against Roma and Aston Villa. Guendouzi was also heard shouting 'Allez l'OM' (Go Marseille) and was seen making a crotch grab gesture. This incident follows earlier provocations during the match, where he reportedly gave home fans the middle finger and shouted expletives towards opponents when his team took a 2-0 lead.
Mason Greenwood received a one-match ban, suspended for one year, and a €30,000 (£26,000) fine for violating decent conduct rules. He was observed making a crotch grab gesture and a facial expression towards the home fans.
The altercations escalated at full-time, with Guendouzi at the center of heated scenes after appearing to be confronted by a member of Lyon's coaching staff. Greenwood was also involved in the subsequent melee.
Fenerbahce was fined a total of €95,000 (£81,000) for three separate offenses related to the match. Lyon incurred fines totaling €108,500 (£93,000). Additionally, Lyon's goalkeeper coach, Antonio Ferreira, received a five-match ban for serious assault after footage showed him appearing to aim a kick at Guendouzi.
Players and staff from both teams were involved in the ensuing brawl, with security intervening. Lyon's Corentin Tolisso criticized Guendouzi's actions post-match, stating the need for humility in victory. Guendouzi defended his behavior, citing insults directed at his family by Lyon fans, and received support from Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal.