Manchester United fans’ experience in Istanbul labeled ‘disgrace’

The treatment of Manchester United fans at Galatasaray’s Rams Park Stadium has been criticised after being highlighted in a policy survey investigating the experiences of English fans abroad since 2020.

Manchester United Supporters’ Trust took part in the survey and November’s trip to Galatasaray was rated as ‘poor’ for safety, security and services in their response.

A representative from MUST told the Manchester Evening News: “Galatasaray: The epitome of a disgrace. Tickets not scanning, zero assistance apart from ignorant and non-English speaking stewards, a ticket office with one person who didn’t speak much English and left like pigs in a pen.

“Only a few turnstiles open for entry, area flooded, timber pallets being used as stepping stones, a third-world attempt at entry to a football stadium. The searches subsequently were also overzealous.

“Stewards laughing as they seized the items, knowing they would be keeping them for themselves. Saw members have ear pod-style headphones taken. Wouldn’t return to that ground.”

The Reds travelled to Istanbul in big numbers for their penultimate Champions League group match on November 29.

Those travelling knew it would be risky and several encountered problems. Some missed the start of the match, with some not getting into the stands as the 30th minute hit the clock.

There was limited turnstiles in use which created havoc with huge queues. That led to overcrowding in tight spaces and they didn’t have a sufficient number of stewards or police on the ground to cope with it.

To make matters worse, United fans were held back for 80 minutes after the game, making it impossible to get public transport away from the stadium.

We shouldn’t forget the fact that Galatasaray fans packed into the home end at Old Trafford this season too. It’s not good enough that we seem to be always put at risk and something needs to be done about it before someone gets seriously hurt.

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