Liverpool receive Champions League boost as Galatasaray fans banned from clash

Liverpool will host Galatasaray in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 clash without any away fans present after UEFA hit the Turkish club with a ban

Liverpool will play their Champions League last-16 clash against Galatasaray without any away fans present after the Turkish side were hit with a UEFA punishment.

Their fans have been banned from the game at Anfield, which will be the second leg of their knockout clash. It stems from fan misconduct charges that came about during last week’s trip to Juventus, which included throwing objects, lighting fireworks and causing general disturbances.

There reports of a man and his daughter sustaining injuries when a firework was launched towards Juventus fans in Turin. And as a result Europe’s governing body have hit Galatasaray with a ban for their next European away day.

As well as the ticket ban, UEFA’s disciplinary panel have imposed a €40,000 fine on the Turkish champions for their fans’ behaviour. They attempted to appeal against the aforementioned penalties, but they were rejected by UEFA’s Appeals Body on Wednesday.

Galatasaray will host Liverpool in the first leg of the last-16 clash in Turkey on 10 March, but whatever happens they will make the trip to England without any travelling support.

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That could prove crucial, especially if they have a lead to defend. Galatasaray are underdogs in the tie but they’ve shown they can mix it with some of the European heavyweights. In the knockout play-offs, they beat Juventus 7-5 on aggregate which saw them score twice in extra time.

They’ve also been able to down Liverpool this season. That came when they hosted the Reds in Istanbul with Victor Osimhen scoring from the penalty spot to secure a memorable victory. Arne Slot has admitted: “We know in the away leg we will have to perform better than the last time we were in Istanbul back in September.”

A strong run in the Champions League can help Liverpool salvage their season with the Premier League already beyond them. Their only two hopes of a trophy are on the European stage and in the FA Cup, where they face Wolves in the fifth round on Friday night.

Last term Liverpool, en route to the title, were knocked out of of the Champions League in the last 16. Eventual winners PSG beat them on penalties and one of Slot’s tasks was to mount more of a charge on the European stage. If they see off Galatasaray, the Reds know they will face either the Parisians or Chelsea.

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