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Tuesday 20 November 2012

Galatasaray Fans Try To Give Manchester United Second ‘Welcome To Hell’


Riot police had to step in after troublesome Galatasaray fans stormed an airport as Manchester United stars arrived in Turkey.
Hooligans set off flares, firecrackers and battered on doors as they gave Sir Alex Ferguson's men a fiery welcome to Istanbul.
And cops were forced to use pepper spray to deter the troublemakers from their intimidation tactics ahead of tonight's Champions League clash.
Busloads of home supporters were turned away from Ataturk Airport by expectant police but hundreds got in waving flags and singing chants.
But the flare-wielding mob were outfoxed by United’s pre-planning as they flew into a private terminal and avoided the ‘Welcome to Hell’ banners.
Fergie said: "We came underground!
“We didn’t get the greeting from the fans, we dodged that.
“In 1993 it was incredible, quite frightening, but we’ve been a few times and are now used to the Turkish atmosphere.
“It is fanatical, but it is no issue for us.”
Nineteen years ago, United were forced to walk through the airport arrival lounge surrounded by a hostile crowd issuing death threats.

The game, at the Galatasaray's former home, the Ali Sami Yen Stadium, was packed with 35,00 roaring fans that had waited for hours to "greet" the English champs.
The game ended 0-0 but Eric Cantona was sent off in the final moments and some of his team-mates were attacked by police as they left the pitch.
It is said to be the first time many of United's young stars, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Gary Neville, experienced such a volatile atmosphere.
However the team could expect even more noise tonight, as the Turk Telekom Arena is officially the loudest stadium in the world.
Noise from the 52,000 capacity ground was once recorded at 131 decibels - louder than standing on an aircraft carrier while a fighter jet takes off.

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