4th March 2026
March 4 – There will be no travelling fans from Istanbul at Anfield in two weeks’ time after UEFA banned Galatasaray from selling tickets to their supporters for one away fixture – ruling them out of the Champions League last-16 second leg against Liverpool on Merseyside.
The sanction stems from events during the 3-2 defeat to Juventus in Turin at last week’s playoff second leg. UEFA cited the “throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks and crowd disturbances” in its decision, with the club also fined €40,000 by the Appeals Body.
Galatasaray have confirmed they intend to challenge the outcome.
Evidence suggests flares and fireworks were ignited in the away end at the Allianz Stadium, with unrest reported both inside and outside the ground. Italian media detailed clashes involving visiting supporters, home fans and local police ahead of kick-off. Also filed were reports of a father and daughter who required hospital checks after being struck by a firecracker thrown from the away section whilst inside the ground.
Despite defeat in Turin against ten-man Juventus, Burak Okan’s side advanced 7-5 on aggregate, riding out the chaos to secure their place in the knockouts. They beat Liverpool in Istanbul in November in the league round.
For Liverpool, the empty away end alters the texture of the return leg. European nights at Anfield are choreographed around noise and edge.
There is the feeling that Arne Slot’s side will need all the help they can get after a limp performance against the Premier League’s bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers last night, which saw the Reds concede yet another last-minute decider – the most of any team in Premier League history in a single season.
The Champions League has thus far provided some respite for Liverpool, who secured bites of success against the likes of Real Madrid and Inter Milan in the league stage. The first leg of the knockouts will take place in Istanbul on March 10, with the return eight days later.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [moc.l1772630988labto1772630988ofdlr1772630988owedi1772630988sni@g1772630988niwe.1772630988yrrah1772630988](javascript:;)