Supporters of Galatasaray S.K. will not be permitted to attend their Champions League round of 16 second-leg fixture against Liverpool F.C. at Anfield after UEFA upheld disciplinary sanctions stemming from crowd disturbances in Turin.
European football’s governing body announced that the Turkish champions are prohibited from selling tickets to away fans for the March 18 encounter on Merseyside and have also been fined €40,000. The sanctions relate to incidents during the second leg of their play-off tie against Juventus F.C. on February 25.
UEFA stated that visiting supporters threw objects and ignited fireworks during the match in Turin. Italian media reported that a man and his daughter were injured after a firework was allegedly directed toward home supporters.
Despite a 3-2 defeat on the night, Galatasaray progressed to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League with a 7-5 aggregate victory after extra time.
In a statement published on the club’s official website, Galatasaray confirmed the fine and the ban on away supporters for their next European fixture, adding that they would challenge the ruling before the UEFA Appeals Body.
However, Reuters later reported that the Appeals Body rejected the club’s appeal, meaning the sanctions will stand.
As a result, the Super Lig leaders will make the trip to Anfield without their travelling fans for what promises to be a crucial European showdown. The first leg is set to take place in Istanbul next week before the return fixture in Liverpool.