Galatasaray will face Liverpool at Anfield in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie without their travelling supporters after UEFA upheld a ban on away fans.
The Turkish champions were sanctioned following crowd trouble during their playoff match against Juventus in Turin. UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee imposed a €40,000 fine and ordered Galatasaray to play their next away fixture without supporters after incidents involving pyrotechnics in the stands.
Galatasaray appealed the decision, but UEFA’s Appeals Body rejected the challenge, confirming that the ban will apply to the March 18 clash at Merseyside. Reports from the match in Italy indicated that fireworks were launched toward sections occupied by Juventus fans, resulting in injuries. UEFA maintains strict rules on safety breaches, particularly those involving flares and fireworks, and enforced disciplinary measures promptly.
The ruling leaves Galatasaray attempting to overturn the tie at one of Europe’s most intimidating venues without the support of their famously passionate away fans.
Galatasaray earned their place in the last 16 after a thrilling 7 5 aggregate victory over Juventus and had previously defeated Liverpool 1 0 at home during the group stage.
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