UEFA investigate Mason Greenwood after Champions League scandal

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FT Desk

UEFA have launched an investigation into the behaviour of Mason Greenwood and Fenerbahce team-mate Matteo Guendouzi following the team's Champions League playoff win against Lyon.

Fenerbahce booked their place in the league phase after securing a 2-1 victory over Lyon at the Groupama Stadium, completing a 3-2 aggregate win.

The celebrations quickly turned controversial, however, with Guendouzi at the centre of the drama. The French midfielder repeatedly celebrated in front of the home supporters. He gestured towards the stands and was seen at one stage raising two middle fingers towards members of the crowd.

Guendouzi continued to provoke the Lyon fans for several minutes, repeatedly returning towards their section even after appearing to calm down. Some of his Fenerbahce team-mates, including Greenwood, joined in, before Lyon players stepped in as tensions began to rise.

The situation escalated further as Guendouzi headed towards the tunnel. An unidentified member of Lyon’s staff appeared to launch a fly kick at him, sparking a mass confrontation in the tunnel area. Officials, stewards and police were eventually called upon as players and staff from both sides became involved in the chaotic scenes.

Greenwood is being investigated for a specific gesture he made to the crowd as footage subsequently showed him grabbing his crotch. Both the English forward and Guendouzi previously played for Lyon's rivals, Marseille, and were reportedly given verbal abuse from the stands.

A statement from Fenerbahce confirming the investigation said: "Following the UEFA Champions League Play-Off Round second leg match, UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against our players Matteo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood, as well as against our club.

"Our club will present the necessary defences before the relevant UEFA bodies to protect the rights and interests of our players and Fenerbahce. All necessary information, documents, and defences will be submitted to UEFA, and developments are being closely monitored by our club. We inform the public accordingly."

Guendouzi said post-match he acted in a confrontational manner after the Lyon fans got personal and targeted his family.

"If we can't celebrate the way we want afterward, I find that disappointing," he confessed.

"When you have 60,000 people insulting your family, your mother, your children, even before the game and no one on the referees side tells the crowd to be quiet.

"I know that in France, when this kind of thing happens, there comes a point where they'll talk to the fans to stop and maybe stop the match."

Fenerbahce were drawn against Roma, Aston Villa, Slavia Prague, Liverpool, Shakhtar, LASK, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid in the league phase.