Galatasaray fans set off flares in Liverpool despite Anfield ban for Champions League game

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Galatasaray fans greeted their team's arrival in Liverpool with flares in the city center, despite traveling supporters having been banned for the Champions League clash at Anfield

Galatasaray fans greeted their team's coach with flares in Liverpool city center

Liverpool city center was bathed in red on Tuesday as Galatasaray supporters ignited flares and fireworks in the streets.

The Turkish club is due to meet Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday in the second leg of their round of 16 fixture. Footage circulating on social media shows vast crowds singing and celebrating on Victoria Street as the team coach tried to navigate through the packed thoroughfare. Fans were spotted standing in the carriageway, encircling the bus and forcing it to stop.

Scores of supporters congregated closely around the vehicle as the squad arrived in advance of their European encounter. That's despite Galatasaray fans being banned from attending Wednesday's game at Anfield.

Galatasaray was hit by sanctions by UEFA following ugly scenes in the play-off tie against Juventus last month. The Turkish club was fined €40,000 ($46,000/£35,000), with the club’s supporters prohibited from attending the second leg at Anfield as a result.

The incidents follow an already animated day in the city, with thousands of people descending upon Liverpool to mark St Patrick's Day, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Concert Square was amongst the first locations to reach capacity, with people emerging as early as 10am to enjoy a drink in the sunshine. As the morning wore on, areas including Ranelagh Street and Hope Street became focal points for visitors to experience music and live entertainment.

Galatasaray fans have traveled to Liverpool despite being banned from attending the game at Anfield

The yearly St Patrick's Day parade gathered at the Old Irish Centre (Mount Pleasant) for a 3pm start. The procession was spearheaded by three complete marching bands, injecting music and vibrancy into the city centre.

As the evening set in, throngs in central locations showed no signs of thinning out, with Concert Square and surrounding areas continuing to be the most bustling.

Arne Slot's team enter Wednesday's game trailing 1-0 following their defeat to the Turkish outfit for the second occasion this campaign last week. Mario Lemina's early strike proved sufficient to establish an advantage and leave Liverpool departing Istanbul without reward.

The Reds already know who they could end up facing in the quarter-finals should they complete a comeback later, with Paris Saint-Germain lying in wait after thrashing Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate following a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Liverpool will be aiming to bounce back following Sunday's disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham, with supporters at Anfield greeting their side with boos at full-time.