Security tight for Istanbul tie

Riot police are gathering at Ali Sami Yen stadium

Hundreds of extra Turkish police are being drafted in ahead of Liverpool's crunch football match against Galatasaray in Istanbul.

The Champions League second phase group game will be played at the Turkish side's Ali Sami Yen stadium on Tuesday night.

Istanbul has been a flashpoint for trouble between English and Turkish supporters in recent years.

Two years ago, two Leeds United fans were murdered in clashes in the city's Taksim Square.

It is the first time an English club has played away against Galatasaray since the killings in April, 2000.

Leeds and Galatasaray fans clashed in 2000

Almost 200 Liverpool fans arrived in the city on Monday and a further 180 were expected to join them.

At the city's airport, they were being issued with a list of "dos and don'ts" in the hope that their visit will pass without incident.

For police in Istanbul, it is one of the biggest-ever security operations for a football match and in all, 2,000 extra officers are expected to be on the streets surrounding the stadium.

Four police officers from Merseyside have also travelled to the city to liaise with the Turkish authorities.

'Hostile atmosphere'

Chief Superintendent Ted Greenwell said: "I am hoping Liverpool fans will maintain their colourful and vociferous support.

"I also hope they maintain the high standards of behaviour they have set over the past few years.

"I have had senior police officers from across Europe praise Liverpool fans for their behaviour."

Liverpool's caretaker manager Phil Thompson and England striker Michael Owen said they were both expecting a hostile atmosphere for the match.

Anything but a win in Istanbul would make it difficult for the Merseyside club to progress further in the competition.

Thompson refused to discuss recent problems between fans in Istanbul, but added: "The hospitality we have received so far has been first class."

Arsenal fans were involved in serious clashes with Galatasaray supporters in May 2000 before the Uefa cup final in Copenhagen, Denmark.