UEFA have told Manchester City fans to arrive at Istanbul’s Ataturk Stadium nine hours before the Champions League final on Saturday, according to reports.
By encouraging supporters to get to the venue from 11am BST, the governing body is hoping to avoid a repeat of last season’s chaotic final between Liverpool and Real Madrid, which was marred by dangerous overcrowding outside the Stade de France.
Due to miscommunication and police incompetence, thousands of fans were unable to enter the stadium for last year’s showpiece, and several ticketholders including children were attacked while locals attempted to break into the venue.
As the Ataturk Stadium is situated more than a 30-minute drive away from Istanbul Airport – and a similar distance away from the city centre – UEFA have urged travelling fans to arrive well in advance.
As public transport is unlikely not to cover the thousands of fans attending the match, the governing body has reportedly organised for hundreds of shuttle buses to take fans to the venue from 1pm BST.
UEFA have told Manchester City supporters to arrive at Istanbul’s Ataturk Stadium (pictured) nine hours before the Champions League final on Saturday, in a bid to avoid last year’s chaos
Last season’s final between Liverpool and Real Madrid was marred by overcrowding, as several Reds supporters were attacked after being denied entry into the Stade de France in Paris
There will also be a fanzone selling food and beer for ticketholders outside the stadium from 2pm BST, according to the Mirror.
City and Inter Milan supporters will have to pass through three security checkpoints to enter the stadium, first passing a Bluetooth ticket activation system before undergoing body searches carried out by police.
The final stage of entry is a second, separate search performed by a private security firm.
Police officers have agreed to relax a handful of rules that apply during Turkey’s domestic fixtures, such as the displaying of rainbow-coloured flags and the word ‘ultra’ on clothing, but it is understood this has caused tension between UEFA, the organising committee and local police.
Viewing the Champions League final as an audition for their Euro 2028 bid, the hosts reportedly made these compromises to show how well they can stage a major event.
City hope to lift the UEFA Champions League trophy for the first time by beating Inter Milan
Pep Guardiola’s in-form side are bidding to win the first Treble in English football since 1999
French police, who failed to show off their hosting talents during last year’s final, made matters worse by initially laying the blame on Liverpool supporters.
Reds fans were eventually absolved of blame following a comprehensive review by UEFA and issued an apology by the French authorities.
Last season’s Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers in Seville also failed to paint UEFA in a positive light, as the stadium ran out of water and female hygiene products were confiscated upon entry.
No alcohol will be served inside the Ataturk Stadium on Saturday, although fan parks are set to reopen at full time until 30 minutes after the trophy presentation.
Football Supporters Europe have been working closely with UEFA to ensure past mistakes have been corrected ahead of the Istanbul showpiece.
Their chief operating officer Niamh O’Mahony said: ‘Since last year’s final in Paris and also the review recommendations, we’ve seen a significant change in how UEFA works with us to prepare for the finals this year.
Ground staff mow the Ataturk Stadium pitch in preparation for Saturday’s showpiece final
Football Supporters Europe have worked closely with UEFA this season, as the governing body bids to learn from its mistakes from the Europa League and Champions League finals last year
‘FSE was part of a pre-final site visit, been able to hear plans, and give advice on how best to approach certain scenarios.
‘That doesn’t mean all of our advice is being taken on board but it is considered, and that is an important change.
‘FSE’s role is to constructively challenge the planning so that supporters in Istanbul can enjoy their trip and all the effort into planning will be worth it.
‘Of course, we’ll have to wait and see what happens now but a huge amount of preparation has been happening.’
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
