The Reds will face Galatasaray in the Champions League next Tuesday
Galatasaray fans during their UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase match against Liverpool FC last September
Galatasaray fans during their UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase match against Liverpool FC last September(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images))
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Liverpool FC is monitoring the situation in Turkey ahead of the Reds’ game against Galatasaray amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the ECHO understands. The Reds are due to face the Turkish side on Tuesday, March 10, in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash at RAMS Park in Galatasaray.
Over 1,000 miles away, focus is growing on Turkey’s border with Iran. Turkey’s defence ministry said earlier today (Wednesday, March 2) that NATO defences intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it entered Turkish airspace.
The death toll in Iran from the ongoing war with the United States and Israel has reached at least 1,045 people, an Iranian government agency said on Wednesday.
Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs offered the toll, saying it represented the number of bodies so far identified and prepared for burial.
Meanwhile, the United States and Israel hit Tehran and other cities in multiple airstrikes, the fifth day of the war with Iran. Israel targeted the Iranian leadership and security forces as the Islamic Republic responded with missile barrages and drone attacks on Israel and across the region.
The defence ministry said in a statement on Wednesday: "A ballistic munition launched from Iran, which was detected passing through Iraqi and Syrian airspace and heading towards Turkish airspace, was engaged in a timely manner by NATO air and missile defence assets stationed in the eastern Mediterranean and rendered inactive."
On Liverpool FC’s website, the club recommends that supporters have comprehensive travel insurance, as it did when the Reds last played there in September. European Health Insurance (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) are not valid in Turkey.
Passports must have a minimum of 150 days’ validity and at least one blank page.
It’s a legal requirement to carry a photo ID at all times. Local authorities in Istanbul may carry out ID checks, so please keep your passport with you and be respectful and cooperative if approached.
The club adds that information regarding travel to Istanbul and Turkey can be found on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.
Club sources told the ECHO that Liverpool FC is continuing to monitor the situation.
The Foreign Office advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism. This border is, like the border with Iraq, over 1,000 miles from the Galatasaray Stadium.
While the rest of Turkey is not covered by this warning, the Foreign Office says: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.”
British nationals should:
Read "If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK." This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
Follow advice from the local authorities
Sign up for FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
Monitor local and international media for the latest information
Stay away from areas around security or military facilities
Keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up-to-date.
If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection
The @LFCHelp account on X will provide supporters with updates on the day of the match.
Liverpool played Galatasaray in the league phase of the Champions League in September, which the Reds lost 1-0.
The first leg will kick off at 5.45pm. The second leg will kick off on Wednesday, March 18, at 8pm at Anfield.
UEFA has confirmed that Galatasaray supporters will not be able to attend the Anfield leg due to the “throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks and crowd disturbances”.
The European governing body is penalising Galatasaray fans for their conduct during their 3-2 loss at Juventus on February 25 – a match which saw them narrowly advance to the last 16.
Italian media reported that Galatasaray fans clashed with home supporters and local police prior to the match. A father and daughter were also reported to have been taken to hospital after being hit by a firecracker.
Galatasaray has also been handed a €40,000 (£34,700) fine as part of UEFA's Appeals Body ruling. In a statement, the club confirmed: "An appeal will be filed with the UEFA Appeals Committee against this decision."