Uefa has banned Galatasaray from selling tickets to supporters for their Champions League last-16 second leg at Liverpool's Anfield, following crowd disturbances in a previous match. The Turkish club has been fined €40,000 and plans to appeal the decision. The sanction stems from incidents during their playoff game against Juventus on 25 February 2026.
Galatasaray fans will be absent from the away end at Anfield for the Champions League last-16 decider against Liverpool after Uefa imposed sanctions for misconduct during the club's playoff tie against Juventus. The European governing body's Appeals Body confirmed the ban on ticket sales for the away match, along with a €40,000 (£34,800) fine, citing "throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks and crowd disturbances" at Juventus' Allianz Stadium in Turin on 25 February 2026.
Reports from Italy indicated that Galatasaray supporters clashed with home fans and police before the game. A man and his daughter were taken to hospital after being hit by a firework thrown from the away end. Despite losing 3-2 on the night to ten-man Juventus—progressing 7-5 on aggregate after scoring twice in extra time—Galatasaray advanced to the knockout stage.
In a statement, Galatasaray announced: "Due to the fan incidents that occurred during our UEFA Champions League match against Juventus on February 25, 2026, the UEFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to fine our club €40,000 and impose a penalty of playing our next away match behind closed doors. An appeal will be filed with the UEFA Appeals Committee against this decision."
The appeal was rejected by Uefa's Appeals Body. The tie begins with Liverpool visiting Istanbul on 10 March (17:45 GMT), followed by the return leg at Anfield on 18 March (20:00 GMT). The teams previously met in the league phase, where Galatasaray won 1-0 at home in September, with Victor Osimhen scoring from the penalty spot.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged the challenge: "We know in the away leg we will have to perform better than the last time we were in Istanbul back in September." Galatasaray's Osimhen added: "Meeting Liverpool now is going to be like some sort of revenge... We’re up to the task, it’s not going to be easy, of course, but we have fight in us."
The winner will face Manchester City or Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
