Photograph by PY21
The British Embassy is in contact with Chelsea Football Club and the Turkish authorities over two reported stabbings of Chelsea fans in Istanbul ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming Champions League clash against Galatasaray.
In a statement the British Embassy in Turkey said:
We are aware of two isolated incidents involving Chelsea football fans near Istanbul’s Taksim Square on the evening of 25 February ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League tie in Istanbul on 26 February. We are working with the club and the Turkish authorities in preparation for the match.
Neither of the victims needed hospital treatment for their injuries.
This is not the first time that British football fans have been attacked in Istanbul, with Leeds supporters Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight stabbed to death in the city before a UEFA Cup match in 2000.
Travel advice for British citizens travelling to Turkey has been updated, with officials making fans aware of the ongoing political unrest in the country, saying:
Anti-Government Demonstrations took place in a number of cities across Turkey on the evening of 25 February, including in Istanbul. In some cases, police used water cannon and tear gas in response. Further demonstrations may take place this evening, including in central Istanbul around Taksim Square. Keep up to date with developments, be vigilant and avoid any protests or demonstrations.