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Matteo Guendouzi was at the heart of an ugly post-match confrontation after Fenerbahce's vital Champions League play-off win over Lyon. The former Arsenal midfielder repeatedly wound up the French crowd and eventually became involved in a shocking physical clash with an angry Lyon staff member near the tunnel.

There were chaotic scenes at the Groupama Stadium.

Fenerbahce booked their return to the Champions League proper for the first time since the 2008-09 season by beating Lyon 2-1 away from home. But the Turkish club's 3-2 aggregate success was completely overshadowed by the disorder that followed the final whistle. Guendouzi, who was loudly jeered because of his history with Lyon's bitter rivals Marseille, had been provoking the home fans throughout the night.

The tension spilled over when the 27-year-old carried on with his behaviour while making his way towards the tunnel. Video footage showed Antonio Ferreira, named by L'Equipe as a Lyon goalkeeping coach, coming out and appearing to launch a flying kick at the French midfielder.

That astonishing moment set off a large melee involving both sides. Players and staff members rushed into the confrontation, with punches reportedly aimed at Ferreira while he was held against a wall. Security staff then had to step in quickly to pull the two groups apart.

Given his strong links with Marseille, it was no surprise that he received a hostile reception in Lyon, and matters peaked when he aggressively shouted "Allez l'OM" into a television camera after the final whistle.

Fenerbahce team-mates had to firmly lead him away from the pitch as the situation worsened. The unsavoury clashes now appear very likely to bring serious disciplinary action from UEFA against both clubs.

Guendouzi later defended his provocative conduct, saying he had been responding to serious abuse from the stands. The former Arsenal player said he felt disrespected by the home support, who had allegedly insulted his family throughout the game. "If we can't celebrate the way we want afterward, I find that disappointing," he told reporters.

Fenerbahce head coach Ismail Kartal gave his full support to his combative midfielder after the incidents. "As a team we all stood together to support Guendouzi," Kartal said in his post-match press conference. "Support was provided. That is what teamwork is all about."

On the other hand, Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso strongly criticised Guendouzi's actions. The Frenchman said the Fenerbahce player had gone too far with his provocative celebrations. "You have to stay humble in victory, go celebrate that with your team in the locker room," Tolisso said. "Well done, congratulations to them, but there's no real need to do that."

Fenerbahce will now look ahead to Thursday's Champions League league phase draw in Monaco, where they have been placed in Pot 3. The Turkish giants can now prepare to measure themselves once more against Europe's top sides.

Meanwhile, Lyon will have to make do with Europa League football after their play-off disappointment. However, both clubs are also likely to be anxiously waiting to see whether European football's governing body imposes sanctions following the disgraceful violence after the match.