Tolisso slams Guendouzi over provocations that inflamed OL-Fenerbahçe aftermath

Olympique Lyonnais was eliminated from the Ligue des Champions on Wednesday evening at Groupama Stadium, beaten by Fenerbahçe (1-2) a week after the 1-1 draw in Turkey. But it was the aftermath that drew attention, with Matteo Guendouzi inflaming the evening with a series of provocations directed at the Lyon crowd.

Obscene gestures, a “Jul” sign and celebrations ostentatiously aimed at the stands: the Istanbul midfielder sparked the anger of the Rhône-based camp. In the mixed zone, captain Corentin Tolisso made no attempt to hide his indignation. “I don’t know why he did that. He got insulted throughout the match, during warm-up too. But we’re professionals. We get insulted on every away pitch, that doesn’t mean there should be outbursts at the end of the match like that,” said the midfielder, whose comments were reported by L’Équipe.

Tolisso said he directly confronted his compatriot: “I just told him to go celebrate with his team, to stay humble in victory. Leave the OL supporters alone, they’re frustrated enough as it is. There was no need to do that kind of thing, it’s irresponsible. I hope he learns from it and that it helps him grow. That’s not the image football should show.”

Formed at the club, Tolisso also recalled the 2017 precedent when Besiktas visited to highlight the danger of such provocations in an already tense context, denouncing an attitude he called “petty”.

Samuel Umtiti agreed. While acknowledging the tension inherent in European clashes, the former international defender regretted Guendouzi’s lack of restraint after the final whistle. “You still have to stay measured. Even if we know what rivalry and the atmosphere of such a match represent, there are limits not to cross with the crowd,” he said.

UEFA could take up the matter to examine the incidents that occurred on the pitch and around the tunnel following the match.