Turkish fans suffer racist attack in Belgium; fight disrupts Fenerbahce-Anderlecht match
Referee of the match suspends the game due to unappropriated behaviors among the spectators during the UEFA Europa League knockout play-off football match between Anderlecht and Fenerbahce at Lotto Park in Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 20, 2025. (AA Photo)
Anderlecht vs. Fenerbahce players were taken to the changing room after a fight in the stands, reportedly sparked by a racist attack against Turkish fans during the Europa League match.
After Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri scored in the 4th minute, tension erupted in the stands. Turkish TV reported that Turkish fans were attacked by Belgian fans in the 6th minute.
A racist attack against Fenerbahce fans is suspected, according to Turkish TV. The referee abandoned the match. Meanwhile, after the referee stopped the game in the 6th minute, an announcement was made to the stands.
After the match was stopped, an announcement was made in the stadium addressing racist chants coming from the stands.
Match halted due to attack on Fenerbahce fans
The announcement warned that if the racist chants continued, the match would be suspended.
According to Turkish broadcaster TRT Spor, the match was halted due to an attack on Fenerbahce fans.
‘Racist attacks’ not tolerated
A warning in the stadium emphasized that “racist attacks” would not be tolerated.
“The referee has indicated that he may have to stop the match due to the racist behavior of some spectators, which is negatively impacting the match. Please be assured that if the spectators continue with their racist behavior, the match will be stopped and may be abandoned.”
Despite the end of the brawl in the stands, the Swiss referee went to the dressing room.
After a brief pause, the referee returned to the field, and the match resumed from the 7th minute.
The teams returned to the pitch 15 minutes after the stoppage. Players from both sides warmed up before the match resumed shortly afterward.
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