Why are there no Galatasaray fans at Anfield for the Champions League game against Liverpool?
Supporters of the Turkish club won’t be in the normal away section at Anfield, an unusual turn ahead of Wednesday’s round of 16 match.
Galatasaray fans are famous for creating a raucous atmosphere, whether at home or on the road. But they won’t have the chance to do so when their team faces Liverpool at Anfield in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday.
The reason there are no Galatasaray fans at Anfield
UEFA barred the Turkish club from selling tickets to its supporters after crowd trouble during the second leg of the knockout phase playoff against Juventus in Turin. Galatasaray were fined €40,000 (over $46,000) for “throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks and crowd disturbances.”
Reports in Italy say two Juventus fans, a father and his daughter, needed hospital treatment after being hit by firecrackers thrown from the Galatasaray section. Some supporters of the Istanbul club also clashed with rival fans and Italian police before kickoff.
Liverpool fans to take over Anfield away section
As a result, there will be no Galatasaray supporters in the usual away section at Anfield. Tickets in that area have instead gone on sale to Liverpool fans, giving more home supporters than ever the chance to cheer on their team.
Galatasaray fans take over the streets of Liverpool
Despite the ban, Galatasaray fans have still traveled to England in numbers to support their team, raising concerns they may attempt to gain unauthorized access to Anfield before kickoff, and whether some supporters may have been able to acquire tickets in among Liverpool fans.
On Tuesday, videos circulated on social media showing Turkish supporters marching through the streets of Liverpool with flares.
Galatasaray go into Wednesday’s game with a narrow advantage after winning the first leg 1-0 in Turkey last Tuesday.
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