Mattéo Guendouzi Receives Two-Match Champions League Ban

NYON, Switzerland — Mattéo Guendouzi will miss Fenerbahce’s long-awaited return to the Champions League group stage after UEFA handed the midfielder a two-game suspension for his role in ugly scenes during the playoff win at Lyon.

The 27-year-old, a former Marseille player and a familiar villain in Lyon, was central to the chaos surrounding Fenerbahce’s 2-1 victory on Aug. 26 — a result that sent the Istanbul club into the Champions League for the first time in 18 years.

The punishment is heavy. Guendouzi is out of Fenerbahce’s opener at home to Roma next Thursday and the trip to Aston Villa on Oct. 14.

Guendouzi at the eye of the storm

UEFA cited violations of “rules of decent conduct,” insulting others present at the match and provoking spectators. The governing body also fined him 50,000 euros ($58,000).

Guendouzi’s night in his home country was as combustible as expected. During the warmup and again after the final whistle, he raised his middle fingers toward Lyon fans. In the post-match bedlam, he shouted “Allez l’OM” — “Go Marseille” — and grabbed his crotch in front of the home support.

He later claimed Lyon fans had insulted his family before and during the match, but UEFA’s disciplinary panel focused on his gestures and behavior as the temperature around the tie boiled over.

The tension exploded near the players’ tunnel after the game, where a mass brawl broke out involving players and staff from both sides.

Greenwood on probation, Lyon coach hit harder

Fenerbahce forward Mason Greenwood, also signed this offseason, escaped with a lighter sporting sanction. UEFA imposed a one-match ban for violating rules of decent conduct but deferred it for one year, effectively putting him on probation. He must also pay a 30,000 euro ($35,000) fine.

Lyon’s goalkeeping coach Antonio Ferreira received one of the toughest punishments. He was banned for three Europa League games, with two additional matches deferred, after what UEFA described as a “serious assault.” Television images showed Ferreira launching a leaping kick at Guendouzi during the post-game confrontation by the tunnel.

Clubs count the cost

The fallout was not limited to individuals. UEFA fined Fenerbahce 50,000 euros ($58,000) for violating rules of decent conduct and another 45,000 euros ($52,000) for fan misconduct.

Lyon’s bill was even steeper: 108,500 euros ($126,000) across a series of disciplinary charges. The French club now turns to the Europa League, where it opens away at Anderlecht next Thursday.

For Fenerbahce, the sanctions land just as the club’s heavy summer investment begins to be tested on the biggest stage. Guendouzi and Greenwood arrived to help close the gap on city rival Galatasaray — who will also line up in the Champions League — and to drag the club back into Europe’s elite.

Now, as the anthem finally returns to Istanbul after 18 years, one of Fenerbahce’s most combustible new signings will be watching the first two nights from the stands.