Liverpool FC 'monitoring the situation' in Turkey ahead of Galatasaray game
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The Reds will face Galatasaray in the Champions League next TuesdayLiverpool FC is monitoring the situation in Turkey ahead of the Reds’ game against Galatasaray amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the ECHO understands. The Reds are due to face the Turkish side on Tuesday, March 10, in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash at RAMS Park in Galatasaray.Over 1,000 miles away, focus is growing on Turkey’s border with Iran.
Israel targeted the Iranian leadership and security forces as the Islamic Republic responded with missile barrages and drone attacks on Israel and across the region.The defence ministry said in a statement on Wednesday: "A ballistic munition launched from Iran, which was detected passing through Iraqi and Syrian airspace and heading towards Turkish airspace, was engaged in a timely manner by NATO air and missile defence assets stationed in the eastern Mediterranean and rendered inactive."On Liverpool FC’s website, the club recommends that supporters have comprehensive travel insurance, as it did when the Reds last played there in September. Local authorities in Istanbul may carry out ID checks, so please keep your passport with you and be respectful and cooperative if approached.The club adds that information regarding travel to Istanbul and Turkey can be found on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.Club sources told the ECHO that Liverpool FC is continuing to monitor the situation.The Foreign Office advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.
The second leg will kick off on Wednesday, March 18, at 8pm at Anfield.UEFA has confirmed that Galatasaray supporters will not be able to attend the Anfield leg due to the “throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks and crowd disturbances”.The European governing body is penalising Galatasaray fans for their conduct during their 3-2 loss at Juventus on February 25 – a match which saw them narrowly advance to the last 16.Italian media reported that Galatasaray fans clashed with home supporters and local police prior to the match. A father and daughter were also reported to have been taken to hospital after being hit by a firecracker.Galatasaray has also been handed a €40,000 (£34,700) fine as part of UEFA's Appeals Body ruling.