Galatasaray will head to Anfield for their decisive Champions League round-of-16 clash without their travelling supporters after UEFA’s Appeals Body upheld a ticket ban on the Turkish side.
The ruling means the Istanbul giants must take on Liverpool in the second leg on Merseyside without the backing of their famously vocal away fans, a significant setback for a team preparing for one of the toughest assignments in European football.
Major setback for Galatasaray supporters
The March 18 showdown had all the ingredients of a classic European night. However, Galatasaray will now have to attempt the daunting Anfield test without the roar of their travelling faithful.
Fresh from a dramatic 7-5 aggregate triumph over Juventus in the playoffs, the Turkish champions had built momentum heading into the last 16.
They also carry confidence from their earlier 1-0 victory over Liverpool during the league phase.
But Anfield presents a different challenge entirely, and the absence of away support strips Galatasaray of a psychological edge that has often fueled their performances on the road.
Reason behind the sanction
Galatasaray confirmed the punishment in a statement on their official website following disciplinary action stemming from incidents during their away fixture against Juventus on February 25, 2026.
The club said, “Due to the fan incidents during the UEFA Champions League match we played away against Juventus on 25 February, 2026, the UEFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to impose a fine of €40.000 on our club and a sanction of playing without spectators in the next away match. An appeal will be filed with the UEFA Appeals Body against the decision in question.”
According to Reuters, that appeal has now been dismissed.
The punishment follows crowd trouble in Turin, where pyrotechnics reportedly caused injuries in the stands.
A man and his daughter were said to have been hurt after a firework was launched toward Juventus supporters.
UEFA’s strict stance on safety breaches left little room for leniency, leading to the enforcement of the away-fan ban despite Galatasaray’s challenge.
Osimhen anticipating fierce response
Ahead of the tie, Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen acknowledged that Liverpool are likely to approach the contest with added motivation, particularly after their earlier defeat in Istanbul.
Speaking to CBS Sports before the last-16 draw, Osimhen said, “I mean to be honest with you, meeting Liverpool now is going to be like some sort of revenge. If they come, yeah, we’re going to dig it out but it’s not going to be easy.”
The Nigerian striker is well aware of the intimidating atmosphere that awaits at Anfield, even without an opposing away section to counter it.
Osimhen added, “I mean this is Champions League, no team is easy, we can see how flying Bodo/Glimt are really doing in this tournament. If you want to win you also have to play the big dogs and make a statement for yourself. We’ve met Liverpool but we haven’t played at Anfield. If we meet them it’s going to be an amazing game. I think we’re up to the task, it’s not going to be easy, of course, but we have fight in us.”
With the stage set and tensions high, Galatasaray must now attempt to overcome both Liverpool and the Anfield atmosphere, without the powerful backing of their travelling supporters.
