UEFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against Mason Greenwood and Matteo Guendouzi following alleged provocative behaviour during Fenerbahce's Champions League play-off victory over Lyon in late August.

The tie, which Fenerbahce won 1-2 on the night and 2-3 on aggregate, was marred by a series of incidents on the pitch and in the tunnel after the final whistle. The Super Lig club has confirmed the disciplinary proceedings in a statement and made clear they intend to fight the case before the relevant UEFA bodies.

What Fenerbahce said

In a statement released via X, the Istanbul club wrote: "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."

Fenerbahce added that they would submit "the necessary information, documents, and defenses" to UEFA and that developments were being "closely monitored" by the club.

The incidents in question

Both Greenwood and Guendouzi are alleged to have made obscene gestures toward Lyon supporters after the final whistle — with reports suggesting the pair grabbed their groins in a deliberate attempt to provoke the home crowd. Guendouzi is also accused of raising his middle finger at fans.

The former Arsenal midfielder, who spent two-and-a-half seasons at rival club Marseille, went further still — reportedly performing karate kicks across the pitch, which brought members of Lyon's squad rushing toward him. Fenerbahce team-mates intervened to shield Guendouzi, who then allegedly smiled and gestured at the incensed supporters as he left the pitch. He was shoved by a Lyon player or staff member in the process.

Fights were reported both on the pitch and in the tunnel, involving players and staff from both clubs.

Guendouzi defends himself

Speaking after the match, Guendouzi offered context for his conduct: "You know, you've got 60,000 people insulting your family, your mum, your children, even before the match, and nobody from the refereeing team tells the stadium to be quiet."

"For 90 minutes — even longer if you count the warm-up — they were insulting my family. If you want to banter, then it goes both ways," he said.

Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal also backed his players after the game, stating that the squad had stood together and describing the unity shown as the essence of teamwork.

Greenwood's role

The specific nature of Greenwood's involvement in the post-match fracas remains unclear, though reports indicate he made an obscene gesture of his own. The Englishman joined Fenerbahce on a four-year deal in July and was named alongside Guendouzi in the club's statement confirming UEFA's proceedings.

For Lyon, the defeat carried significant consequences beyond the pitch — the loss of Champions League income contributing to the sale of forward Malick Fofana in a move that became one of the most dramatic transfer deadline-day stories of the summer.