The home side's Emre Asik and Arda Turan and Fenerbahce's Diego Lugano and Semih Senturk received their marching orders deep in injury time after an unseemly melee.

The game ended 0-0 but was overshadowed by the unwelcome scenes just before the final whistle.

Kewell played in the game and came close when Milan Baros sent him the perfect through ball but the Fenerbahce defence snuffed out the attack. He unleashed another shot just two minutes later but it went high and a later attempt forced a great save.

Elsewhere, Denizlispor remain just two points above the relegation zone after losing 2-0 at Kayserispor.

Furkan Ozcal scored early in each half to secure a comfortable win for the home side.

Eskisehirspor also enjoyed a straightforward home win, Bulent Kocabey scoring after 30 and 65 minutes in the 2-0 victory over Ankaraspor.

Genclerbirligi made it three home wins from today's four fixtures with a 1-0 success over Konyaspor, Carlos Kahe grabbing the only goal in the 58th minute.