Manchester United greeted by angry Galatasaray fans at airport ahead of Champions League clash
Manchester United's preparations for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash with Galatasaray were disrupted on Monday, when the Red Devils were met by chaotic scenes at an airport in Turkey.
The Red Devils arrived at Ataturk Airport earlier this evening, but they were forced to leave the building through a separate terminal after their arrival was greeted by almost 1,000 unruly fans, who attempted to force their way through to the team.
Sir Alex Ferguson has previous experience of the frenzied atmosphere that awaits his side at Ali Sami Yen stadium, and he was glad to have avoided the Galatasaray fans' welcome this time round.
"We didn't get the greeting by the fans this time - we dodged that," Ferguson told reporters. "In 1993 when we came here it was incredible. It was something new and quite frightening. But we've been here a few times since and we're getting used to the Turkish fanaticism and enthusiasm. It's no issue for us."
Police were forced to disperse the crowd with tear gas, after which Galatasaray Football Director Abdurrahim Albayrak called for calm amongst the supporters.
"In every aspects, we are a top class club. We had to welcome our opponents warmly, not in that way," Albayrak told fans. "After my reminder, Our supporters understood the impostance of welcome and calmed down. They hosted us with respect and our first aim is to repay their hospitality."
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