Liverpool fans were subject to a strict security operation at Rams Park on Tuesday, involving a mandatory coach transfer, thorough ticket checks, hands-on searches and a lock-in after the game.
The whole process meant supporters arrived back at Sultanahmet Square over eight and a half hours after they first arrived to travel to the match.
Lack of access to toilets on the way to Rams Park was another issue facing travelling fans. Some had to wait over two and a half hours, with the buses not fit for purpose and no portaloos on arrival. This was just one of the concerns raised by Liverpool supporter group Spirit of Shankly prior to the trip that was disregarded by UEFA as an issue caused by local authorities and not them.
For Liverpool supporter Gary Hayes, the trip to Istanbul was his 141st European away game following Liverpool and it wasn’t just on the pitch where he felt let down.
He said: “When teams come to Liverpool they get pitch side seats, no issues in the city and no nets. When we go away it’s totally different. UEFA don’t care about the fans it’s all about the money.
“UEFA observers should have to travel on the coaches and queue up with the rest of us to see if in the 21st century this is acceptable way of fans who are spending lots of money to be treated.
“Football without fans is nothing and some countries maybe shouldn’t be in European football if basic human rights are not adhered too. My wife was very upset regarding the last search too. UEFA delegates would not want their wives to suffer the same.”
Three security checks were in place at Rams Park, with a police search the last line of defence to stop any “projectiles” entering the stadium. However, according to Liverpool fan Ben Poole, some of the confiscations only put fans at further risk.
He said: “We had all charging packs and plugs taken off us on arrival which is crazy when you think about how long it was before we were dropped back off.
“They really didn’t think it through. Leaving fans with dead phones and dropping them back off at 2am to find their way back to hotels is just unacceptable.
“Considering there was fencing and netting all around our away end nothing could’ve been thrown anyway so it was completely pointless. UEFA need to improve the process for games like this.”
A UEFA spokesperson said: ”In the case of Liverpool’s trip to Istanbul, the organising parties (including both clubs) agreed on a series of measures for away fans in coordination with the local authorities, who remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory. Detailed questions about the plan should be addressed to them.”
After UEFA’s admission of mistreatment of Liverpool fans at the 2022 Champions League final, Reds supporter Liv Warner believes we’ve taken another step back.
She said: “The 2022 Champions League final was a disgrace, but UEFA’s response was encouraging, with refunds given and people actually taking accountability.
“But for them to essentially say it’s not our fault (in Istanbul) feels very strange. It’s your competition, it may be the local police or the clubs that have got it wrong, but you’ve got the power and instead of using that to help supporters it feels like they’re turning a blind eye.
“It’s almost as if you take a step forward with them then two steps back.”
With trips to Frankfurt, Milan and Marseille still to come in the league phase for Liverpool, fans will be hoping lessons have been learnt and improvements can be made to enhance the European travelling experience.
All pictures by Sam Hackett
