Players were forced to take evasive action on the pitch as flares were launched by opposing fans
Louis Corbett Trainee Reporter and Jonathon Veal, Press Association
14:55, 27 Feb 2026
Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams removes a flare from the pitch during the match(Image: (Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images))
Multiple arrests have been made after unrest broke out during Nottingham Forest’s Europa League match against Fenerbahce.
Forest players were forced to dodge flares during the play-off’s second leg last night (Thursday, February 26), after fans from Fenerbahce had thrown pyrotechnics onto the pitch at the start of the match.
The incident led to a three-minute delay as flares were launched into the Forest penalty area.
Defender Jair Cunha had to take evasive action as he had his back to them, while Neco Williams also had to duck as he tried to carry one away.
Fenerbahce defender Archie Brown, who was part of Derby’s academy as a youngster, also had to intervene and carry some of the pyrotechnics off the pitch while urging calm from his side’s fans.
Forest and the Turkish club could now face UEFA punishment.
Several social media posts also reportedly show significant damage to the City Grounds’ seating following the match, but the club has yet to confirm this is the case.
Nottinghamshire Police said officers had managed to identify and arrest a 37-year-old man after one missile was reportedly thrown by Fenerbahce fans towards the home end.
Two further arrests were made during the match, both of which were unrelated to the pyrotechnics thrown onto the pitch.
Police said a 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a steward, while a 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of going onto the playing area at a designated football match.
Superintendent Louise Clarke, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We’re currently investigating a series of reports from last night’s match and are working closely with both clubs as part of this.
“This includes multiple reports of lit flares being thrown onto the pitch and at rival supporters.
“I can confirm one suspect has been arrested in connection with this, while two other people have been arrested on suspicion of separate offences too.
“Separate investigations are ongoing into each of these incidents, as well as wider reports of pyrotechnic use and criminal damage within the ground last night.
“As part of this, we will be analysing all available footage to help identify anyone who could have been involved.
“Anyone who has any information or footage relating to any of these incidents is asked to share it with the police immediately.”
This can be done directly by calling 101, quoting incident 188 of 26 February 2026, while Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.