OL players reject Guendouzi's provocations after defeat

Lyon’s return to the Champions League has been delayed again after Fenerbahçe ended the French club’s qualification hopes, while Mattéo Guendouzi’s conduct became the focus of the aftermath. OL have now gone six years without reaching Europe’s top competition.

Fenerbahçe won the second leg 2-1 at Groupama Stadium after the teams had drawn in Istanbul. The result sent the Turkish side through and left Lyon to reflect on a poor first half, missed opportunities after the interval and defensive lapses on crosses and set pieces.

Guendouzi, who previously played for Marseille, was seen making offensive gestures towards Lyon supporters during the warm-up. After the final whistle, he celebrated Fenerbahçe’s success provocatively and shouted support for Marseille. The scenes were followed by an on-pitch confrontation and a larger altercation in the tunnel.

Loïs Openda said the incident did not belong in football and chose not to attack Guendouzi personally. Captain Corentin Tolisso took a firmer position, telling him to celebrate with his own teammates and show restraint. Tolisso said Guendouzi had claimed supporters insulted him, but argued that players regularly face abuse away from home without responding in the same manner. He described the behaviour as irresponsible and said Lyon’s priority was to move forward from a deeply disappointing night.