A Turkish court has found Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel guilty of simple assault in connection with events during the Trabzonspor versus Fenerbahçe Super Lig match on 17 March 2024.
The Trabzon 3rd Criminal Court of First Instance ruled that the Nigerian international committed the offence when he struck a pitch-invading supporter amid chaotic scenes following Fenerbahçe’s 3-2 victory.
Osayi-Samuel was sentenced to a fine of 6,000 Turkish Lira (approximately €116), representing the lower limit for the offence.
Although the court recognised elements of self-defence in his actions during the pitch invasion, he was still held technically liable.
The verdict has been postponed for five years, meaning the penalty will only be enforced if he commits another similar offence within that period.
The same hearing also addressed the cases of several other individuals involved in the disturbances, including two of Osayi-Samuel’s former Fenerbahçe teammates.
While some Trabzonspor fans received prison sentences, others were acquitted, bringing a formal legal conclusion to the widely publicised on-field confrontation.
