Türkiye: Trabzonspor Fans Invade Pitch, Attack Fenerbahce Players

Fenerbahce's players clash with Trabzonspor supporters at the end of Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce at the Senol Gunes stadium in Trabzon, Türkiye, Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Huseyin Yavuz/Dia Images via AP)
Fenerbahce's players clash with Trabzonspor supporters at the end of Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce at the Senol Gunes stadium in Trabzon, Türkiye, Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Huseyin Yavuz/Dia Images via AP)
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Türkiye: Trabzonspor Fans Invade Pitch, Attack Fenerbahce Players

Fenerbahce's players clash with Trabzonspor supporters at the end of Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce at the Senol Gunes stadium in Trabzon, Türkiye, Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Huseyin Yavuz/Dia Images via AP)
Fenerbahce's players clash with Trabzonspor supporters at the end of Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce at the Senol Gunes stadium in Trabzon, Türkiye, Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Huseyin Yavuz/Dia Images via AP)

Turkish top tier club Trabzonspor fans invaded the pitch following a home loss against Fenerbahce late Sunday, touching off violent scuffles between the fans and visiting players.
The Trabzonspor fans charged onto the pitch as Fenerbahce players celebrated their 3-2 win following the final whistle of the Turkish Superlig game in the Black Sea coastal city of Trabzon.
Some Fenerbahce players hit back at fans who kicked or punched them, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. Security staff later helped the Fenerbahce players down the tunnel into the dressing room, The Associated Press said.
The incident came just months after the president of top-flight club Ankaragucu was arrested for punching a referee following a match, prompting the Turkish Football Federation to briefly suspend league games.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that an investigation has been launched and that those who invaded the pitch would be identified.
“The occurrence of violence on football fields is not acceptable,” he wrote.
The Turkish Football Federation also condemned the incident and said those responsible would be punished following an investigation.



Rublev Credits His Mental Approach after Beating Draper to Win Qatar Open

Andrey Rublev of Russia poses with the trophy after winning the final against Jack Draper of Britain at the Qatar Open tennis tournament in Doha, Qatar, 22 February 2025. (EPA)
Andrey Rublev of Russia poses with the trophy after winning the final against Jack Draper of Britain at the Qatar Open tennis tournament in Doha, Qatar, 22 February 2025. (EPA)
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Rublev Credits His Mental Approach after Beating Draper to Win Qatar Open

Andrey Rublev of Russia poses with the trophy after winning the final against Jack Draper of Britain at the Qatar Open tennis tournament in Doha, Qatar, 22 February 2025. (EPA)
Andrey Rublev of Russia poses with the trophy after winning the final against Jack Draper of Britain at the Qatar Open tennis tournament in Doha, Qatar, 22 February 2025. (EPA)

Andrey Rublev credited his mental approach after beating Jack Draper 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 to win the Qatar Open for the second time Saturday.

It was Rublev’s third three-set win in three days. The Russian also dropped the second set in his two previous matches against Alex de Minaur and Felix Auger-Aliassime.

“I was really good mentally and didn’t let frustration get over me,” Rublev said. “As soon as I was frustrated, I was able to restart again and I was able to play at the same intensity. That’s the most important thing.”

It was the 17th title of Rublev’s career, having earned his first Doha trophy in 2020.

“It’s my first ever title that I won twice,” Rublev said. “I think both of us were really tired after two three-set matches that finished late. We were exhausted and it was difficult, but somehow we were able to play at a good level. When I lost the second set, I let it go and started to play more freely.”

Rublev improved to 4-0 in his career against Draper.

Still, Draper will improve to a career-high ranking of No. 12 on Monday.

“We played some tough matches this week and in the third set he was just a bit too strong for me,” Draper said. “I’m really proud of my efforts this week. Every day, I wake up and try to improve, so it’s a testament to my hard work I suppose.”