IAN LADYMAN: Manchester United’s trip to Galatasary was yet another untold story of fear and darkness in the Champions League – a journey back to the 80s for fans who are victims of pitiful UEFA

Standing in the puddles in a dark concrete alley near the faulty turnstiles at Galatasaray’s RAMS Park stadium, Manchester United fans were relieved when the decision was made to open a small side door. It wasn’t particularly safe to march 500 people through such a cramped space, but at least it meant they could finally get in to watch the game. Last Wednesday at the stadium their team was already two goals ahead of their opponents.

Meanwhile, during normal time, the decision was made to keep the same United fans inside for 80 minutes. By the time they left on a rainy night, it was late, and the few shuttle buses meant for the 10-mile trip into downtown Istanbul were quickly filling up. Some tried to use the lifts on the freeway. Others found taxis demanding US$100.

And this happens often when you travel in the Champions League. Europe’s flagship tournament treats its corporate guests and sponsors well. There is no shortage of transport, signage and canapés for those in the soft seats. Regular supporters? Not so much. UEFA and its cronies seem increasingly unconcerned with how the paying people get there, much less how they get home.

So, in addition to the well-publicized incidents in Paris before the 2022 final and again, on a smaller but still alarming scale, at another Istanbul stadium during next year’s showpiece, similar stories are emerging, stories of fans left to their fate. inadequate stadiums, pathetic organization and bad stewards and police just to try and watch a football match. This is shameful as football continues to put money first and the fans are here to stay and this is unacceptable.

United fan Matt Ford was in Istanbul and told me: “We got to the pitch in a decent time but it was obvious we weren’t getting into the game.”

“There was a lot of signage for the media and sponsors, but nothing for the away fans.

‘We found it. We go down the steps into a dark tunnel. Water is everywhere. I trip over wooden pallets on the floor. People are falling. And then there were turnstiles and scanners that didn’t work properly.

“The stewards and police were screaming. I wasn’t scared because I’ve been here before. But was it dangerous? Yes.

“We were all packed, we had nowhere to go. So what comes to your mind is what happened to the Liverpool fans in Paris. Of course it is.

“They finally gave up and took us through the fire exit. One is copper and he screams. You end up getting in and being charged £2 for a box of water and the card machines don’t work.

“Then, after the game, when you finally get to the city, you just feel relieved, and the shocking thing is that this happens so often.

“The Champions League brings in millions, but away from home it’s like the 1980s.” They just don’t care about you.

Ford is a journalist who contributes to the fanzine United We Stand. But his experiences are completely normal and familiar to traveling fans of all English clubs.

In September I was in Milan for a game with Newcastle. Away fans then discovered that two local tube stations had closed at 9pm and, due to a lack of taxis, were forced to walk an hour back into the city. As soon as they separated, the metro stations reopened.

Manchester City fans returning home from their team’s Champions League final in Turkey last June told horrifying stories of being herded like cattle before the game and then abandoned miles from the city when it ended . Many were scared.

Ford and his fellow travelers are not laying the blame for the past week on United, nor should they. As usual, the club carried out extensive reconnaissance, had its own stewards present and provided the shuttle buses themselves. They then relied on UEFA and Galatasaray to act as soon as they became aware of the dangers outside.

On the morning of the game they informed UEFA about problems related to rubble and poor lighting in the approach tunnel, but did nothing. United have subsequently expressed their displeasure and are distributing a feedback survey compiled by the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, which will then be passed on to the authorities.

It’s great work, but will anything change? This is doubtful.

It’s been over 16 years since I witnessed Liverpool fans hiding under cardboard in a car park with no toilets or running water in the middle of the night after the 2007 final in Athens. Nothing has changed since then, so why do it now?

There are several ways in which clubs qualify for the Champions League. If they can’t guarantee the comfort and safety of visiting fans, then frankly they shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near him.

Rashford saves and changes

Marcus Rashford has changed his PR team again. These are three different companies in a couple of years. Goals remain the best advertisement for a striker, however, and Rashford has one Premier League goal that came from open play.

It’s your problem, Marcus. No matter what someone whispers in your ear, the rest is just bullshit.

NOTHING IN PREVIEW FOR TOON

Newcastle’s kit used to be red and white. It was not until 1894 that they adopted the black and white stripes previously favored by Northumberland County.

So not everything is sacred. Not Newcastle’s playing colours, not their crest, which has changed four times over the years, not their stadium, St James’ Park.

I desperately hope Newcastle stays where they are. There are several stadiums like this and watching him drive in and watch him high on the hill as I drive over Redhew Bridge is one of my favorite sights in football.

However, Newcastle are poised to progress and with that in mind, their Saudi Arabian owners are right to look at what needs to be done to speed things up to the next level. After years of decline, Newcastle need to start winning again. With that in mind, nothing should be left out of the conversation about what they do or where they actually play.

In terms of the home kit they wear, I think we are in a safer position.

WHY IS THE PALACE STUCK IN THE MIDDLE

Oddly enough, one of the most stable teams in the Premier League is Crystal Palace. Over the past six seasons they have finished 11th, 12th, 14th, 14th, 12th and 11th. During this time they always scored between 43 and 49 points.

The challenge for chairman Steve Parish and director of football Dougie Freedman is how to take the next step. Because they remained safe but rather inert, other clubs such as Brighton and Brentford passed them by.

It feels like manager Roy Hodgson is on thin ice at the moment. If Steve Cooper is sacked by Nottingham Forest, Palace could well look to recruit him.

But whatever they do, Parish and Friedman must show more conviction than they did the last time they decided to aim higher.

Two summers ago they replaced Hodgson with Patrick Vieira with the stated aim of changing Palace’s style of play. We were told that this was a switch made for the long-term good. However, once Viera’s board ran into problems, they sacked him and brought back Hodgson.

Palace currently ranks 14th. Safe, secure, but again quite stuck. Why is anyone surprised?

SOCCER’S BLIND SPOT

Speaking after Erling Haaland and his teammates hounded referee Simon Hooper for failing to convert a late advantage against Tottenham, Pep Guardiola was candid.

“The referee knows what he did,” the Manchester City manager said.

“They didn’t apologize. We can’t apologize. I don’t understand how it should be any different.”

My God, what a right. There is a clear difference between making a mistake and the behavior of Haaland and his gang. The fact that football doesn’t see this is the central problem.