The incident during the friendly fixture between Fenerbahce and Zenit St. Petersburg drew attention from players, officials, and fans alike. A board member of Fenerbahce, Salahattin Baki, spoke after the match, in a comment that framed the episode as a minor disturbance rather than a crisis. He described the events as largely contained and stressed that there was no lasting harm to the atmosphere or the relationships on display during the game. Source: Sports Express.
Observers noted that the confrontation was short-lived and did not escalate into a broader clash. Baki emphasized that the overall mood remained cordial and that both clubs’ve leadership cooperated with security personnel to restore calm quickly. He also acknowledged the presence of spectators who expressed strong feelings but rejected the notion that the incident reflected hostility between the teams or their supporters. Source: Sports Express.
Zenit and Fenerbahce officials indicated a maintained friendship between the clubs, despite the flare-up in the stands. Labeled as a minor incident by organizers, the occurrence did not overshadow the competitive nature of the match or the professional conduct shown by most fans. Security personnel responded promptly, and stewards guided affected supporters to safer areas as a precaution. The heads of both teams reaffirmed a commitment to sport as a unifying force, even when rivalries flare up in the heat of competition. Source: Sports Express.
At halftime, the exchange of voices between Turkish fans and the blue-white-blue supporters intensified briefly. Reports described a momentary clash of chants when the visiting fans began chanting slogans that referenced Russia, prompting a reaction from Turkish supporters nearby. Police intervened to deescalate the situation, and several fans were escorted away from the stands to prevent further disruption. The episode did not spill over into the second half, and play resumed with the match’s focus returning to the pitch. Source: Sports Express.
Earlier coverage had highlighted a similar incident that had occurred in Istanbul when Zenit’s supporters withdrew during a friendly with Fenerbahce, signaling that tempers can flare in high-stakes exhibitions and that security protocols must remain vigilant. The club officials took the event seriously and reviewed security procedures to minimize the likelihood of a repeat in future encounters. Both clubs confirmed their intention to maintain respectful competition, underlining that football remains a platform for camaraderie and fair play despite intense fan loyalties. Source: Sports Express.