Skriniar’s gesture could reduce Vlahovic’s punishment after Fenerbahçe derby

The disciplinary fallout from the Fenerbahçe-Beşiktaş derby could turn on a gesture captured in video footage. Dusan Vlahovic may avoid the full force of a possible suspension after images reportedly showed Fenerbahçe defender Milan Skriniar making a middle-finger sign during their confrontation.

Beşiktaş won the Turkish Super Lig’s fourth-week derby 2-1 away at Fenerbahçe. The match also featured a heated exchange between Vlahovic, Beşiktaş’s striker, and Skriniar, the Fenerbahçe defender. Vlahovic’s conduct is now under review by the Turkish Football Federation’s legal advisory board.

If the striker is referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board under Article 41, which covers attacks on personal rights, insults and threats, he could receive a suspension of between two and five matches. The reported footage of Skriniar’s gesture could be cited as provocation and lead to a reduction in any sanction.

Fenerbahçe supporters reportedly expect action against Vlahovic because former player Raul Meireles received a punishment for a similar gesture. The article notes, however, that Meireles directed his gesture at a referee. The federation’s decision is expected to appear in its official announcement of disciplinary referrals, and Skriniar could also be referred.