Galatasaray - Chelsea FC - 27/02/2014Source : http://www.sbs.com.au/
Chelsea fans hurt in Istanbul violenceChelsea have confirmed two of their supporters were attacked in Istanbul before the English club's Champions League last 16, first leg against Galatasaray.Chelsea confirmed on Wednesday that two of their supporters were attacked in Istanbul on the eve of the English club's Champions League last 16, first leg against Galatasaray.
"Chelsea Football Club is aware of two incidents involving fans in the city last night. The club is working with all relevant agencies, including the police and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to best ensure the safety of all supporters," read a statement on their website.
The confirmation comes after it was reported on Tuesday that two supporters of the London side were stabbed following trouble around Taksim Square, in the heart of the city, as fans gathered for Wednesday's match at the Turk Telecom Arena.
A UK Foreign Office spokesman told AFP on Wednesday morning that they had received no confirmation of any incidents but were "looking into reports".
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Source: http://www.turkish-football.com/
Police deny reports that two Chelsea fans have been stabbedTurkish police have denied reports that two Chelsea fans have been stabbed in Istanbul.
The police have confirmed that there have been no reported stabbings and that no Chelsea fans are currently in hospital with stabbing related injuries.
The British Foreign Office also confirmed that they have received no confirmation of any stabbing incidents around Taksim Square, Istanbul.
"We are looking into reports,'' said a Foreign Office spokeswoman.
"We have had no confirmation of an incident. If confirmed we stand ready to provide consular assistance.''
Dave Johnstone, spokesman for the Chelsea fanzine cfcuk told the Daily Mail: "I'd say 99.9 per cent of people we have met in Istanbul have been really nice and friendly.
"You can go to any city in the world and find yourself in trouble. There is probably more violence in parts of London.
"I don't want to generalise about all Galatasaray or Turkish football fans.
"There will always be the minority of people looking for trouble. My advice to those fans coming out today would be to be on your toes, be wary. Don't go looking for trouble. Be friendly."
Galatasaray face Chelsea tonight in the Champions League round of 16 at the Türk Telecom Arena.
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Source: http://www.theguardian.com/
Chelsea and British Consulate investigate fan stabbings in IstanbulChelsea's security advisers and the British Consulate in Turkey are working together to ascertain the circumstances that led to two travelling supporters being stabbed in apparently separate incidents around the same bar in Istanbul on the eve of the club's Champions League meeting with Galatasaray.
The clashes are understood to have taken place in the busy Taksim Square area of the city on Tuesday evening, where two Leeds United fans were stabbed and killed before their club's Uefa Cup semi-final against Galatasaray in 2000. Neither of the Chelsea supporters wounded is thought to have been seriously hurt – one is believed to have been stabbed in the buttocks and the other in his hand – and it is believed neither required hospital attention.
The club, who are accompanied by an officer from the Metropolitan police as standard on away trips in Europe and routinely carry out an advance inspection of all European venues with a club official before games, were made aware of the incidents and are now speaking with supporters in the city to gather information about what happened. Although it is primarily the duty of the local police to deal with the incident, Chelsea will have to supply Uefa with a report on the matter.
Dave Johnstone, a spokesman for the Chelsea fanzine cfcuk, who is in Istanbul, said: "I'd say 99.9% of people we have met in Istanbul have been really nice and friendly. You can go to any city in the world and find yourself in trouble. There is probably more violence in parts of London. I don't want to generalise about all Galatasaray or Turkish football fans. There will always be the minority of people looking for trouble. My advice to those fans coming out today would be to be on your toes, be wary. Don't go looking for trouble. Be friendly."
Trouble had reportedly flared after a bar being frequented by English fans was targeted by a group of locals in a city that has been on high alert over political and social unrest over recent days. There are demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday in Taksim Square as protests escalate against the current government in Turkey.
That in itself is a concern as Chelsea fans have been instructed to meet in the square before being bussed to the stadium on Wednesday evening. The British Consulate have been contacted by Chelsea officials in Turkey, with the Foreign Office confirming they were "looking into reports" and would be providing consular assistance if required.
Chelsea had offered advice to travelling supporters on their website earlier this week. "While Istanbul is generally a safe city and the police have not given any specific areas to be avoided (other than the Metro to the stadium on match day), supporters should be aware of pickpockets, petty theft and bag snatchers in crowded places," it read. "Care should be taken to keep bags and cameras secure and not to keep on show any other valuables. Supporters are advised to leave their passports in the hotel safe and use another form of photographic ID."
Chelsea anticipate around 1,300 of their fans to attend the fixture at the Turk Telekom Arena on Wednesday evening, with the majority travelling out on the day of the game.
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Source: http://www.bbc.com/
Chelsea warn fans after 'stabbings' in IstanbulChelsea FC have said they are aware of incidents involving their fans amid reports that two supporters have been stabbed in Istanbul.
The Press Association had earlier reported two supporters had been attacked on Tuesday evening but neither needed hospital treatment.
The west London club tweeted a warning to its fans not to use the Turkish city's Metro as it was "not safe".
Chelsea play Istanbul side Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Chelsea had tweeted: "The club is aware of 2 incidents involving fans in Istanbul last night & is working with relevant agencies to best ensure safety of all"
The British Embassy in Ankara confirmed it was aware of the reports and was discussing them with the club and Turkish authorities.
The Foreign Office confirmed it was investigating claims of trouble around Taksim Square, in the heart of the city's commercial district, but that it had "no confirmation of an incident".
English fans have been victims of violence in Istanbul before, with Leeds fans Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight stabbed to death before a UEFA Cup tie in 2000.
Today at 2:15 pm by UFW Maltchickers
