Share

Emenike back in Istanbul

Istanbul - Nigeria and Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike on Wednesday returned to Istanbul after disappearing for two days following his dramatic walk-out from a weekend derby match.

Emenike posed for pictures with fans but made no comment to reporters as he arrived at Istanbul's main airport, Turkish sports daily Fanatik said on its website. He was expected to train with his team later in the day.

Turkish media said the Nigerian star, 27, is facing a fine of $55,000 over his conduct in the match between Fenerbahce and Istanbul rivals Besiktas on Sunday night.

Emenike, who has been give a rough ride by Fenerbahce's fans over his lack of goals this season, was incensed when supporters jeered and taunted him after he missed a clear chance in the first half.

He ripped off his shirt in fury and ran towards the tunnel. He was physically blocked by Fenerbahce's playing staff who persuaded him to play on. However the player was then substituted at half time, reportedly at his own request, and then left the stadium.

Media have also asked why the referee did not automatically send Emenike off, given his shirt-ripping and unauthorised exit from the pitch each merited a yellow card.

Fenerbahce have vehemently denied there was any racist element in the abuse of Emenike.

Emenike had been staying in London after leaving the country and had not gone home to Nigeria as some reports suggested.

Turkish media quoted Fenerbahce chairman Aziz Yildirim as playing down speculation that Emenike was on his way out of the club.

"Talk like 'he cannot put on this shirt again' and 'he will get the sack' is aimed at stirring up Fenerbahce," Yildirim said.

However it remains to be seen if Emenike, who rejoined the club from Spartak Moscow in 2013, will stay on at the end of the season.

Fenerbahce won the Istanbul derby game with a late winner from Moussa Sow of Senegal and are third behind Besiktas and Galatasaray who lead.

"We now have no problems. We have just one thing on our minds -- to win all our remaining games and end the season as champions," said Yildirim.

Fenerbahce's next game is away to Black Sea outfit Rizespor on Saturday.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1816 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1775 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1083 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 460 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 253 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE