Robin van Persie is set to serve out a two-match ban for taunting a former teammate whilst in action for Fenerbahce, according to reports.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker celebrated his goal in the 1-0 victory over archrivals Besiktas in the Turkish Cup earlier this month.
Van Persie did his celebration in front of Oguzhan Ozyakup – whom he knows from his time in the North London outfit. Both players clashed earlier when Besiktas defender Dusko Tosic was sent off. The defender was given the marching orders for a push on Van Persie in the 18-yard box.
Van Persie scored 18 minutes from the end of the game and he quickly sought out Ozyakup. He slid in front of the skipper for the opposing sides, provoking him. The player did not take the issue lightly, speaking strongly against his action after the match.
“I have a lot to say about the incidents on the field. But I won’t say them. Just one thing…I was very good friends with a certain player on the field. That changed today. Sometimes you see the real face of a footballer on the field,” Ozyakup said.
The Turkish Football Federation took up the case. After consultations, Van Persie was handed a three-game ban for insulting the opposition in a football game. Upon appeal, it was reduced by one game.
After over a decade in English top-flight, the Dutch player returned to his homeland to play for Fenerbahce. He has been decent in the almost two seasons he has been there. There have been reports that he could return to England soon but so far, nothing concrete has opened.