Nottingham Forest’s match against Fenerbahce was almost immediately stopped as ground staff were called into action
20:10, 26 Feb 2026Updated 22:03, 26 Feb 2026
The game between Nottingham Forest and Fenerbahce was brought to a stop after a flare was thrown on the pitch
Nottingham Forest’s game against Fenerbahce was stopped in the first minute after flares were thrown onto the pitch by the travelling fans. Fenerbahce captain Mert Yandas immediately went over to tell the fans to stop as the match was brought to a halt.
Ground staff had to come on to clear the flares from the pitch as the incident delayed the match by over two minutes. TNT Sports co‑commentator Lucy Ward said at the time of the incident: “The ground staff are furious as well.”
Yandas, who confronted his own fans, and some of his Fenerbahce team-mates helped clear the pitch during the delay. UEFA rules state that flares, fireworks, smoke bombs, and all pyrotechnics are banned in Europa League stadiums, with possible repercussions for clubs and fans.
Shortly after the game resumed, Forest’s Ryan Yates appeared to dislocate his finger and required treatment on the pitch. The Reds went into the second leg with a comfortable lead, claiming a 3-0 win in Istanbul last week. Murillo, Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White scored the goals for Vitor Pereira’s side.
READ MORE: Europa League on TV tonight: Who’s playing, kick-off times and how to watchREAD MORE: Matheus Cunha has told Man Utd all about Morgan Gibbs-White as transfer interest emerges
Archie Brown of Fenerbahce throws back a flare
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But it was the visitors who went ahead at the City Ground through Kerem Akturkoglu in the 22nd minute. Elliot Anderson came close to scoring the equaliser moments later.
The visitors doubled their lead after the break when Akturkoglu was brought down in the box by Jair Cunha, and the winger made no mistake from the spot.
Callum Hudson‑Odoi then shattered Fenerbahce’s hopes of qualification, pulling one back for Forest in the 68th minute. The visitors pushed for more but couldn’t find a second goal.
Despite losing 2-1 at home, Forest progressed with a 4-2 aggregate victory to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Pereira claimed his second win in Europe after an ideal first game in charge in Turkey, and his side will now wait to discover their opponents in Friday’s draw.
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