Galatasaray fans banned from pre-game ritual in Istanbul

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet

Hürriyet photo

Galatasaray fans will no longer be able to get together before and after games, local owners have decided.

The tradition of pre-match celebration was started by students of Galatasaray high school generations ago and the controversial decision has come as a blow to fans.

Allegedly, owners of nearby businesses were tired of the fighting and rowdy behavior of the fans, reports claim.

But one of the local proprietors claimed otherwise.

"It is a decision taken by the District Police. The fans do disturb people when they are here and we don't like losing customers, but it is the District Police who have decided," the landlord said.

Beyoğlu District Police Headquarters have denied any involvement.

The restaurants and bars in Nevizade of Beyoğlu district were frequent stops for fans as part of a pre-game ritual for generations. They would then proceed to the stadium altogether to watch the game.