High security in France ahead of Galatasaray's match against Lille

Galatasaray will face France's Lille in their third Champions League match of the season. Ahead of the game, security measures have taken a more prominent place on the agenda than the situation on the pitch.

Galatasaray's management applied to UEFA after the violence in France over the weekend and asked for guarantees for the safety of the team delegation and the fans. During the demonstrations in Lille, a store belonging to the club was looted and the city hall was entered without permission. These developments heightened concerns.

Under a decision by the regional prefecture, Galatasaray fans will only be allowed to be around the stadium in the away fan area set aside for them. Tickets for the away section, which holds about 2,100 people, were provided through the club. Outside this area, restrictions will also apply to people who can be identified as Galatasaray fans by their clothing.

Lille announced that it has raised the number of private security personnel on duty on match day to more than 800. Six snipers will be stationed on the roof of the hotel where the Galatasaray delegation will stay. In addition to official and private security, 250 specially trained soldiers will be assigned to protect the yellow-reds. A 2-day curfew covering the match period will also be in effect in Lille.