Nottingham Forest‘s fixture against Fenerbahce in the Europa League was halted within the opening minute after a flare was hurled onto the playing surface by the away supporters. Visiting captain Mert Yandas approached the fans to urge them to cease as the match was suspended.
TNT Sports co-commentator Lucy Ward remarked at the time of the incident: « The ground staff are furious as well. » Moments later, Forest’s Ryan Yates seemingly dislocated his finger and needed on-field medical attention.
Forest went into the match with a commanding advantage, having secured a 3-0 triumph in the first leg last week. Murillo, Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White all found the net for Vitor Pereira’s team in Istanbul.
The Portuguese manager had high hopes of securing his second European victory following a perfect opening match in charge in Turkey.
In a warning to his players before the match at the City Ground, Pereira said: « The worst mistake we can make is thinking it will be easy tomorrow.
« We need to approach this game with the right mentality to play in front of our supporters. It is a big chance to please them because they deserve it. They helped us a lot in the last game and they deserve a win. »
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The visitors took the lead at the City Ground through Kerem Akturkoglu in the 22nd minute. Elliot Anderson nearly found the equaliser moments later.
The Turkish side have claimed victory in just one of their previous ten European away fixtures whilst Forest have triumphed in each of their last two Europa League matches. Both sides are seeking to secure a spot in the knockout phase of the tournament.
Forest originally concluded outside the top eight needed for automatic progression and have been required to contest a two-legged play-off in a bid to secure their place in the knockouts.
Forest have two players on a disciplinary knife-edge this evening, with Anderson and Yates both one caution away from a one-match suspension.
A yellow card for either would see them miss the first leg of the last-16, assuming Forest navigate the tie without a collapse.
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