Nigeria and Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike on Wednesday returned to Istanbul after disappearing for two days following his dramatic walk-out from a weekend derby match.
Emenike posed for pictures with fans but made no comment to reporters as he arrived at Istanbul's main airport, Turkish sports daily Fanatik said on its website. He was expected to train with his team later in the day.
Turkish media said the Nigerian star, 27, is facing a fine of 50,000 euros ($55,000) over his conduct in the match between Fenerbahce and Istanbul rivals Besiktas on Sunday night.
Emenike, who has been give a rough ride by Fenerbahce's fans over his lack of goals this season, was incensed when supporters jeered and taunted him after he missed a clear chance in the first half.
He ripped off his shirt in fury and ran towards the tunnel. He was physically blocked by Fenerbahce's playing staff who persuaded him to play on. However the player was then substituted at half time, reportedly at his own request, and then left the stadium.
Media have also asked why the referee did not automatically send Emenike off, given his shirt-ripping and unauthorised exit from the pitch each merited a yellow card.
Fenerbahce have vehemently denied there was any racist element in the abuse of Emenike.
Emenike had been staying in London after leaving the country and had not gone home to Nigeria as some reports suggested.
Turkish media quoted Fenerbahce chairman Aziz Yildirim as playing down speculation that Emenike was on his way out of the club.
"Talk like 'he cannot put on this shirt again' and 'he will get the sack' is aimed at stirring up Fenerbahce," Yildirim said.
However it remains to be seen if Emenike, who rejoined the club from Spartak Moscow in 2013, will stay on at the end of the season.
Fenerbahce won the Istanbul derby game with a late winner from Moussa Sow of Senegal and are third behind Besiktas and Galatasaray who lead.
"We now have no problems. We have just one thing on our minds -- to win all our remaining games and end the season as champions," said Yildirim.
Fenerbahce's next game is away to Black Sea outfit Rizespor on Saturday.
Source: AFP
