‘I’m shocked’ – Liverpool fans told to seek Government support after ‘disappointing’ Galatasaray news
Liverpool are looking to win their seventh Champions League title this season.
Liverpool opened up their European campaign with a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield, with Virgil van Dijk scoring an injury-time winner.
The Reds are flying so far this season, as Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup has made it seven wins from seven so far this season, recovering from the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace.
The win against the Saints, however, didn’t go without incident, as Giovanni Leoni was stretchered off with a torn ACL, while Hugo Ekitike was sent off after taking his shirt off.
Liverpool travel to Galatasaray on Tuesday night, but problems have arisen with supporters travelling to Turkey.
This article contains an exclusive opinion from former FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
Liverpool fans concerned with conditions ahead of Galatasaray trip
English sides regularly have issues when travelling in Europe to face Turkish sides, with Galatasaray having played by Tottenham and Manchester United in the last two seasons.
The conditions set upon away fans travelling have been terrible, with fans forced onto buses without toilets, everyday items being confiscated and clarity over medical exceptions not being offered.
Spirit of Shankly have confirmed they have regularly met with Liverpool officials to raise these concerns from supporters ahead of Tuesday’s clash.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, former FIFA referee Keith Hackett expressed his disappointment over the conditions set out by the Turkish authorities, and urged Reds fans to seek help from the Government.
“I am shocked and disappointed that travelling fans are not treated with respect,” Hackett said.
“UEFA take over the management of fans’ entry and egress from the stadium. They, in fact, control and manage the event on the day. They do this importing firstly their own marketing team who ensure that all appropriate logos are in place and that many if not all home club sponsors boards are removed.
“The allocation of tickets and travel arrangements by fans are carefully monitored. I know that Galatasaray do have fairly aggressive fans. I recall being appointed to referee one of their home games and for safety reasons the match was switched to Izmir.
“The Liverpool fans having made their thoughts known should now approach the Minister for Sport and seek Government support. Perhaps a task for the regulator? They should perhaps also seek help from the FA and FIFA.
“I do hope that this matter can be resolved and that Liverpool fans are treated with respect and can enjoy watching their team.”
Galatasaray isn’t the only concerning destination for Liverpool
Last season, Reds fans were treated to some great away-day adventures in the league stage, including matches against AC Milan, RB Leipzig, Girona and PSV Eindhoven, with no issues reported.
This season, however, is very different, with both Galatasaray and Marseille posing safety risks for away fans, as pointed out by Spirit of Shankly.
| Liverpool’s Champions League away fixtures | Date |
| Galatasaray | 30 September |
| Eintracht Frankfurt | 22 October |
| Inter Milan | 9 December |
| Marseille | 21 January |
They said: “This [the conditions at Galatasaray] is not unique to Liverpool fans. Manchester United and Tottenham supporters faced similar restrictions in Istanbul, and we are being warned of potentially worse treatment for fans travelling to Marseille.”
While Inter Milan will provide another exciting return to the San Siro, and a trip to Germany to face Eintracht Frankfurt will be a new experience for most fans, the trips to Turkey and France will be a worry for Reds supporters, and they will need to be vigilant to ensure a great European experience.
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