Besiktas boss assures Lyon fans there will be no ‘Welcome To Hell’ scenes that Man United became accustomed ahead of Turkey trip
Lyon fans should not be afraid of making the trip to Turkey was the message Besiktas president Fikret Orman had for his Europa League opponents.
Orman underlined that Lyon fans will be safe in Turkey and that Besiktas will make sure their guests are treated warmly.
The ‘Welcome to Hell’ era Manchester United endured during their trips to Turkey during the 1990’s will not be repeated if Orman’s comments are anything to go by.
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“Here is our home,” Orman was quoted as saying by Turkish-Football.
“Don’t be afraid. We are everyone’s defender so come here and watch the match in a really nice way. A lot has changed, the scenes from the past like during Manchester United’s trips will not be repeated.
“We will take pleasure hosting them (Lyon) here.”
The first leg match on Thursday in Lyon was marred by violence and a pitch invasion, with UEFA opening an inquiry into the events.
I’ve seen pitch invasions but never before a game #Beşiktaş #Lyon pic.twitter.com/eifGDKWwqH
— Turkish Football (@Turkish_Futbol1) April 13, 2017
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas expressed fear for the safety of his team and fans in Thursday’s return leg in Istanbul but Orman has assured the visitors that there is no reason to be scared.
Aulas told French television station W9 of his unease over next week’s second leg in Istanbul.
“I hope UEFA will take all the necessary measures,” he said.
“It seems difficult to travel to Besiktas. When you see how this fury spilled over on all sides we are very afraid.”
UEFA have however, given the match to go ahead with fans next week.
Turkish football has a notorious reputation for giving hostile welcomes to visiting teams notably in European competition.
The November 1993 clash between Istanbul’s Galatasaray and Manchester United gave birth to the now infamous “Welcome to Hell” banners at the airport and from the stands of the Ali Sami Yen.