Greenwood and Guendouzi face UEFA probe over provocative gestures in Champions League play-off

UEFA has launched a disciplinary investigation into Fenerbahce’s Mason Greenwood and Matteo Guendouzi following alleged provocative behaviour directed at Lyon supporters during the Champions League play-off second leg in August. Fenerbahce advanced 3-2 on aggregate, and the incident is said to have occurred in the aftermath of that elimination.

Fenerbahce confirmed the proceedings in an official statement, saying UEFA had initiated action against both players and the club itself. The Turkish side indicated they intend to contest the charges, stating they would “present the necessary defenses before the relevant UEFA bodies in order to protect the rights and interests of our players and Fenerbahçe.”

Both Greenwood and Guendouzi are alleged to have clutched their groins in an attempt to taunt Lyon fans. Guendouzi is further accused of raising his middle finger toward supporters. The former Arsenal and Marseille midfielder was also involved in a wider altercation after the final whistle, during which fights reportedly broke out on the pitch and in the tunnel involving players and staff from both clubs. Guendouzi was filmed performing karate kicks across the pitch, prompting Lyon players to confront him before Fenerbahce team-mates intervened.

Guendouzi defended his conduct after the match, citing sustained abuse directed at him and his family throughout the game. “You know, 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. “For 90 minutes — even longer if you count the warm-up — they were insulting my family. If you want to banter, then it goes both ways.”

Fenerbahce head coach Ismail Kartal also backed his players in the aftermath, saying the squad “stood together” and describing the collective response as “what teamwork is all about.”

The disciplinary process is ongoing, with Fenerbahce pledging to submit the relevant information and documents to UEFA as the case develops.