Lyon ultras storm pitch after Guendouzi gesture in Fenerbahçe clash

Several Olympique Lyonnais ultras broke through security barriers in the North Stand and rushed towards the pitch during the Champions League play-off second leg against Fenerbahçe on Wednesday evening at Groupama Stadium. The incident erupted after Fenerbahçe’s second goal, in reaction to a gesture from Mattéo Guendouzi.

Fenerbahçe had opened the scoring through Vedat Muriqi (24th minute) before Archie Brown doubled the lead from a Mason Greenwood corner (28th minute). The English defender had himself made a provocative gesture towards the Lyon supporters by putting his hand to his ear, but it was Guendouzi’s behaviour that sparked the incident and prompted some Rhône Valley supporters to rush out of their stand.

The ultras shook the security barrier without managing to go further: nets had been installed behind the goals in anticipation of this high-risk match. The group quickly returned to the stand, though not before a stand leader came and punched one of the pitch invaders.

The scene illustrates the extreme tension that gripped Groupama Stadium for this knockout tie, but it tarnishes the image of the club and its supporters at a crucial moment in Lyon’s European campaign.