Galatasary manager slams 'unfair' Champions League punishment before Liverpool game

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The Reds travel to Istanbul for the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Tuesday. Galatasaray's fans are sure to create an intimidating atmosphere, but that won't be the case at Anfield next week

Okan Buruk said it is unfair that Galatasaray's fans have been banned for the Champions League fixture at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has claimed Uefa’s decision to ban Galatasaray fans from next week’s Champions League last-16 clash at Anfield as “not fair,” following the governing body’s recent ruling.

Uefa has banned the Turkish champions from selling tickets to their travelling supporters after the ugly scenes that accompanied the club’s Champions League play-off fixture with Juventus. Uefa imposed the strict sanctions following the "throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks and crowd disturbances" by supporters in Turin last month.

Galatasaray has appealed that decision, which Buruk said ahead of the first-leg meeting in Istanbul, is hugely unfair to the club’s supporters.

“We have appealed the penalty imposed by UEFA. I think it will be announced today,” he said on Monday.

“I don't find it fair either. It's not fair to look at it just from the fans' perspective. How the police behave there is also very important.”

His comments came just hours before Arne Slot addressed the media in the Turkish capital, and he admitted even his experienced players were taken aback by the ferocity of the atmosphere when the clubs met at RAMS Park in September.

Buruk is looking to create another daunting night on Tuesday and feels his side can once again upset the odds.

Buruk has already masterminded a win over Liverpool(Image: Yagiz Gurtug/NurPhoto)

“When the first eight matches were determined, Bodo/Glimt looked like the easiest team, and now they're in the last 16,” said the experienced coach.

“We managed to eliminate Juventus, the favorite of the previous round. Now it's the favorite Liverpool. Every match is an experience, and the second match against Juventus was an experience for us, too.

“They played here, they know us better. It was a significant experience for them. Looking at Liverpool's position in the league, the Champions League is much more important for them. They will come here with a different mindset than in the group matches.”

Victor Osimhen scored the only goal of the game when the sides last met(Image: Getty Images)

Buruk also identified one surprise area where Liverpool is particularly potent and also vulnerable.

"They're very good at set-pieces, especially with players like [Virgil] van Dijk who are highly effective in attacking set-pieces,” said the 52-year-old.

“They have five good, tall players, we'll need to take precautions against this. We'll work on it. Liverpool is a team that concedes quite a few goals from offensive set-piece transitions.”