Galatasaray supporters have been banned from attending the Champions League tie against Liverpool after UEFA rejected an appeal against sanctions for crowd trouble.
The Turkish champions will not be permitted to sell tickets to their fans for the match at Anfield later this month.
This decision follows an investigation into misconduct during their recent trip to Juventus.
Disorder in Turin
UEFA’s disciplinary committee took action following reports of disturbances during the playoff fixture in Italy.
The misconduct included the throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks and general crowd disturbances.
Media reports indicated that a man and his daughter were injured when a firework was launched towards Juventus supporters.
Alongside the ticket ban, the governing body has imposed a €40,000 fine on the Istanbul club.
Appeal rejected
Galatasaray’s attempt to overturn the penalties was dismissed by UEFA’s Appeals Body on Wednesday.
It means the away section at Anfield will be empty for the second leg of the clash on 18 March.
The two sides are set to meet for the first leg in Turkey on 10 March.
Previous meetings
Okan Buruk’s side reached this stage following a dramatic 7-5 aggregate victory over Juventus, scoring twice in extra time against 10 men.
Liverpool have already faced the Super Lig leaders in this season’s competition.
During the league phase, Galatasaray secured a 1-0 victory over Arne Slot’s team thanks to a penalty from Victor Osimhen.
Former defender Glen Johnson believes Liverpool should look to re-sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid to solve their ongoing issues at right-back.
The England international ended a 19-year association with the Reds last summer to join the Spanish giants.
However, the 26-year-old has endured a difficult debut campaign at the Bernabeu and has struggled to cement a regular starting berth.
Anfield injury problems
Liverpool have found replacing their former vice-captain problematic throughout the current season.
Summer signing Jeremie Frimpong has battled persistent fitness issues since his arrival on Merseyside.
The situation worsened after Conor Bradley was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign following knee surgery.
Manager Arne Slot has been forced to improvise with his team selection during recent months.
Midfielders Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai have all been deployed on the right side of defence.
‘You would love to see him back’
Amidst speculation linking the academy graduate with a shock return, Johnson has endorsed the potential move.
“Who would be my choice to be Liverpool’s starting right-back next season? You’d love to see Trent back, of course you would.”
Glen Johnson, speaking to Boyle Sport
Despite the calls for Alexander-Arnold’s return, Johnson remains confident in Bradley’s long-term potential.
The Northern Ireland international had impressed prior to his significant injury setback.
“In terms of the future of Liverpool, I think as long as he comes back fit, Conor Bradley for me… Bradley looks more athletic, stronger, with more desire to defend.”
Frimpong returns to action
While speculation continues regarding a transfer, Slot must navigate the current fixture list with limited options.
A now-fit Frimpong returned to the starting line-up for the recent 2-1 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Dutchman replaced Joe Gomez as the Reds suffered a disappointing setback against the league’s bottom side.
Frimpong could retain his place for the upcoming FA Cup fifth-round tie at Molineux on Friday.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has taken direct control of set-piece training and addressed squad discipline as he attempts to arrest a slump threatening the club’s Champions League hopes.
The Blues travel to Aston Villa knowing a response is imperative following a difficult run of form.
Chelsea have dropped points in three successive Premier League matches.
That sequence has placed their primary objective of a top-four finish in jeopardy.
Victory at Villa Park is viewed as essential to restore confidence within a squad that has looked fragile in recent weeks.
Addressing a lack of discipline
Rosenior initially stated he had no intention of lecturing his squad on their conduct when he arrived at Stamford Bridge.
However, the former Hull City boss was forced to convene a team meeting on Monday to tackle the issue head-on.
This intervention follows Pedro Neto’s dismissal against Arsenal, which was the club’s tenth red card of the campaign.
The manager emphasised how damaging these suspensions are to the team’s prospects of winning matches.
He also highlighted the need to reduce needless bookings, particularly those received for dissent towards officials.
The coaching staff will be monitoring behaviour closely during upcoming fixtures against Villa, Wrexham, and Paris St-Germain.
Taking responsibility for defence
Defensive solidity from dead-ball situations has become a significant concern for the west London club.
The team has conceded ten set-piece goals in just 13 matches since the managerial change.
Rosenior has now adopted a more hands-on approach to defensive drills on the training ground.
While praise remains for set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva regarding attacking output, the defensive setup is undergoing a tactical shift.
“Every manager has a different idea about the way you attack and defend set plays. I’ve taken more responsibility in the last week because I know it’s something that needs to improve.”
Liam Rosenior
Reigniting the talisman
The final pillar of the plan involves getting Cole Palmer back to his most effective form.
The England international has seen his influence wane slightly following a season disrupted by fitness issues.
Palmer has not added to his nine league goal contributions since the 2-2 draw with Leeds.
His impact was limited during recent appearances against Burnley and Arsenal.
Restoring the playmaker to the levels shown under Mauricio Pochettino in the 2023-24 campaign is now a priority for the run-in.
Marcus Rashford has faced intense scrutiny from the Spanish press after failing to inspire a late turnaround as Barcelona crashed out of the Copa del Rey against Atletico Madrid.
Valiant effort falls short
Hansi Flick’s side produced a spirited response to their heavy 4-0 first-leg deficit, winning 3-0 at the Nou Camp on Tuesday evening.
However, the Catalan giants ultimately fell short of an improbable comeback, losing 4-3 on aggregate to Diego Simeone’s men.
Marc Bernal was the standout performer for the hosts, scoring twice in a senior match for the first time in his career.
Raphinha was also on target, converting a penalty just before half-time to give Barcelona hope.
Rashford struggles on return
The England international, making only his second appearance since returning from injury, was introduced as a 64th-minute substitute.
With Barca leading 2-0, Rashford was brought on to provide the attacking spark needed to force extra time.
Despite the team adding a third goal with less than 20 minutes remaining, the forward struggled to influence proceedings against a stubborn Atletico defence.
Media reaction
Spanish outlet AS was scathing in its assessment of the forward’s contribution from the bench.
The publication claimed the substitutions made by Flick failed to maintain the momentum generated by the starting XI.
“The reinforcements Flick brought on, Rashford and [Dani] Olmo, were useless,” AS reported.
The report added that centre-back Ronald Araujo received no service despite being deployed as a makeshift striker in the closing stages.
Mundo Deportivo offered a slightly more measured but equally critical verdict, labelling the attacker’s performance as “shy”.
“He could have helped more in the final minutes with his shooting power and crosses, but his decision-making wasn’t very sharp,” the paper noted.
Barcelona must now refocus on their La Liga campaign, where they recently capitalised on Real Madrid’s domestic struggles.
England opened their 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign with a comprehensive 6-1 victory against Ukraine in an emotionally charged encounter in Antalya.
Sarina Wiegman’s side were held to a draw at half-time before producing a ruthless second-half display against their resolute opponents.
The fixture was played in Turkey due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, forcing the designated hosts to travel to a neutral venue.
Resilience amid conflict
The Ukrainian squad endured an arduous three-day journey across borders and transport networks just to fulfil the fixture.
Despite the difficult logistics and the backdrop of global instability, the Blue and Yellow produced a stubborn and disciplined performance in the opening 45 minutes.
Yana Kalinina scored a celebrated goal for the visitors, sparking visible scenes of joy shared by the entire squad and staff.
However, the back-to-back European champions proved too strong after the break, finding the net five times in the second period to seal the three points.
United by football
The aftermath of the match saw poignant scenes as players from both nations exchanged shirts and took photographs together.
Lionesses midfielder Georgia Stanway and manager Wiegman had previously expressed a desire for the game to serve as a symbol of unity.
That sentiment was reciprocated in the stands, where over 250 travelling England supporters joined a small group of Ukrainian fans in the stadium on the outskirts of the city.
Security fears limit media presence
Regional tensions in the Middle East resulted in a significantly reduced media presence for the Group A3 opener.
Security concerns regarding Turkey’s proximity to escalating conflicts meant major UK broadcasters opted against sending full production crews to Antalya.
Despite the surreal atmosphere off the pitch, England completed their professional objective to establish an early lead in the qualification table.
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart believes Pep Guardiola could retire from management at the Etihad Stadium and transition into a backroom role.
The Catalan tactician is currently contracted to the Premier League champions until 2027.
However, speculation regarding his long-term future has intensified following recent comments from striker Erling Haaland regarding a potential departure.
Reports have also circulated regarding potential successors, including former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
Hart predicts boardroom transition
Hart, who won two league titles during his time in Manchester, suggests Guardiola is unlikely to manage another club.
The former England number one believes his old manager feels a deep connection to the organisation.
“I don’t think, if and when he leaves Manchester City, it’ll be necessary to be on the move [elsewhere].”
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Hart emphasised the strong bond between the coach and the club hierarchy.
“He’s tied to that club; he absolutely adores that club. And the club adores him. So whatever decisions get made, it will be a joint decision.”
Guardiola had previously indicated in May 2025 that he intends to take a break from management once his tenure concludes.
Silverware remains the priority
Despite the external noise surrounding contracts, the focus on the pitch remains solely on accumulating more trophies.
City are currently chasing Arsenal in the Premier League title race, sitting five points adrift of the Gunners.
Hart insists that the squad will not be distracted by the uncertainty in the dugout.
“I’m not sure whether he does do the remainder of his contract or whatever, but all they care about at that club right now is trying to win: the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, the Champions League.”
The retired goalkeeper added that the intensity of the current campaign leaves little room for future planning.
“There’s way too much to think about to worry about contracts, and I’m sure that will be his answer. And it’s the truth, you can’t afford to think about yourself in these moments.”
Mauricio Pochettino would be open to a sensational return to Tottenham Hotspur even if the club suffers relegation from the Premier League.
The north London club are expected to appoint a permanent manager at the end of the current campaign.
Current head coach Igor Tudor has been tasked with preserving their top-flight status but is unlikely to remain in the dugout beyond the summer.
Pochettino, currently in charge of the United States men’s national team, reportedly features on a shortlist that also includes former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and club legend Robbie Keane.
Financial obstacles to reunion
Despite the potential drop in revenue associated with Championship football, the Argentine remains willing to discuss a comeback at the club where he spent five years.
However, the financial realities of the second tier could make matching the 54-year-old’s wage demands difficult for the hierarchy.
Ben Jacobs, speaking to Give Me Sport, suggested the former Chelsea boss is not deterred by the club’s precarious league position.
“The good news for Tottenham fans is that Pochettino is open to returning, and would not necessarily be put off even if Spurs got relegated to the Championship.”
Ben Jacobs, Senior Correspondent
Jacobs added that while interest exists, the club must be able to afford a salary that “wouldn’t necessarily drop significantly” in the lower division.
A celebrated legacy
Pochettino enjoyed a transformative tenure at White Hart Lane and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium between 2014 and 2019.
He guided the club to their first Champions League final in 2019 and achieved a second-place Premier League finish during the 2016-17 campaign.
Since his dismissal in November 2019, the tactical specialist has won the Ligue 1 title with Paris St-Germain and spent a solitary season in charge of Chelsea.
His current contract with the United States runs until the conclusion of the upcoming World Cup.
Barcelona are preparing to step up their interest in Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Catalan giants have identified the 24-year-old as a priority target and plan to intensify their efforts to bring him to La Liga.
According to reports in Spain, the Netherlands international is highly coveted by the Blaugrana hierarchy as they look to bolster their backline.
Fernandes waits on Champions League
Manchester United are willing to offer Bruno Fernandes a lucrative contract extension worth up to £400,000 per week.
However, the Red Devils captain will reportedly base his decision on whether the club secures Champions League football for next season.
The 31-year-old playmaker remains vital to proceedings at Old Trafford, yet his long-term commitment appears hinged on European qualification.
Mainoo talks stall at United
Uncertainty currently surrounds the future of Kobbie Mainoo as negotiations over a new deal continue to drag on.
The England midfielder’s discussions have stalled, leaving the 20-year-old’s long-term status at the club currently unresolved.
Conversely, the club have no intention of selling Mason Mount this summer, despite reported interest from domestic rivals.
Both Aston Villa and Fulham are monitoring the 27-year-old, but United are keen to retain the former Chelsea midfielder.
Villa eye Wilson as Juve track Kolo Muani
Aston Villa are tracking Fulham’s Harry Wilson, with the Welshman approaching the end of his contract at Craven Cottage.
The 28-year-old attacking midfielder could be available on a free transfer if fresh terms are not agreed before the summer.
In Italy, Juventus are looking to revive interest in Randal Kolo Muani, who is currently on loan at Tottenham from Paris St-Germain.
The Turin club are also making progress on extending the stay of their current Serbian striker, Dusan Vlahovic.
European transfer round-up
Brentford are planning a significant clear-out that could see five players depart, including Fabio Carvalho.
Arsenal have been rebuffed in their pursuit of Pio Esposito, with Inter Milan declaring the young forward not for sale at any price.
Meanwhile, contract talks between Bayern Munich and Konrad Laimer have been halted due to a gap in expectations.