Guendouzi sparks mass brawl after OL-Fenerbahçe and faces up to three-match ban

Mattéo Guendouzi turned Fenerbahçe’s qualification into a night of chaos at Groupama Stadium on Wednesday evening during the Ligue des Champions playoff return leg against Olympique Lyonnais (1-2). The international midfielder now faces a potential suspension of up to three matches from UEFA.

The incidents began well before kick-off. During the warm-up phase, Guendouzi made obscene gestures at the Lyon crowd, before continuing in the same vein throughout the match. It was after the final whistle, however, that the situation spiralled: the former Marseille player followed up with mocking dances, provocative signs to the crowd and “Come on OM” slogans shouted at the cameras, triggering a mass brawl involving players and staff members from both teams. To justify his behaviour, Guendouzi cited family-related insults he received from the stands.

Reactions in the French football world were severe. Former international Jérôme Rothen did not mince words: “What he did is irresponsible. From the warm-up to the final minute. How does this guy, with so much experience, manage to get into these states? It’s hard to explain. Plus, he finds mitigating circumstances — that’s what’s worst. If there’s no letter of apology from Guendouzi, I’m telling you his image in France…”

Jean-Michel Larqué expressed the same dismay at this lack of restraint: “Everything about this affair disgusted me. The middle fingers at the warm-up, his attitude during the match… But once you’re qualified, once you’ve won, go into the dressing room, be a gentleman. But he carried on, it’s worse than anything.”

By extending his insults into the stadium corridors, Guendouzi has considerably worsened his disciplinary record. UEFA should rule on any potential sanctions in the coming days.