Galatasaray fans banned from Liverpool’s UCL Rof16 clash

2026-03-04 - 14:57

By Enitan Abdultawab Galatasaray will be without their travelling supporters when they face Liverpool at Anfield in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie after UEFA upheld a ban on away fans. The Turkish champions were sanctioned following crowd trouble during their recent playoff fixture against Juventus in Turin. UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee imposed a €40,000 fine and ordered Galatasaray to play their next away match without supporters after incidents involving pyrotechnics in the stands. The club appealed the decision, but the Appeals Body rejected the challenge, confirming that the ban will apply to the March 18 clash on Merseyside. Reports from the match in Italy indicated that fireworks were launched toward sections occupied by Juventus fans, resulting in injuries. UEFA maintains a strict stance on safety breaches, particularly those involving flares and fireworks, and moved swiftly to enforce disciplinary measures. The ruling means Galatasaray must attempt to overturn the tie at one of Europe’s most intimidating venues without the backing of their famously passionate away support. The Istanbul side booked 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 league phase.