Galatasaray banned from selling away tickets for Champions League tie at Liverpool

Galatasaray will travel to Anfield without any travelling support for the Champions League last-16 second leg against Liverpool after UEFA imposed a one-match away ticket ban on the Turkish giants.

The sanction, announced by UEFA’s Appeals Body, relates to crowd trouble during Galatasaray’s 3-2 defeat at Juventus on 25 February. European football’s governing body cited “the throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks and crowd disturbances” in the away section of Turin’s Allianz Stadium. The Istanbul club has also been handed a €40,000 (£34,700) fine.

Italian media reported that flares and fireworks were ignited by Galatasaray fans ahead of kick-off, while scuffles broke out between visiting supporters, Juventus fans and local police. A father and daughter required hospital treatment after being struck by a firecracker allegedly thrown from the section occupied by the Turkish club’s followers.

Despite the loss on the night, Burak Okan’s side advanced to the knockout phase with a 7-5 aggregate victory in the play-off round decider.

Galatasaray confirmed in a brief statement that it will lodge an appeal against the punishment, which now leaves the club’s fans unable to attend the return leg on Merseyside. Liverpool hold the advantage after a first-leg contest in Istanbul on 10 March, with the second leg at Anfield scheduled for eight days later.

UEFA’s ruling ensures the famous Anfield atmosphere will be delivered exclusively by home supporters as Jürgen Klopp’s side look to secure a place in the quarter-finals.