Fans reach out over the Net

Leeds United's Harry Kewell runs out at the Ali Sami Yen

World Football's Guy De Launey reports from Istanbul, where Liverpool and Galatasaray fans are using the internet to build bridges across Europe.

Since the start of the Champions League, Galatasaray's fans have become famous as some of the most fervent in Europe.

They've helped to make the club's Ali Sami Yen stadium a place that Europe's elite sides fear to visit.

Galatasaray's fervent supporters

But Galatasaray's fans have also, on occasion, crossed the line from fame to infamy. In particular, they've had some unhappy experiences with supporters of English clubs

Two years ago, two Leeds fans died after they were stabbed before a match against Galatasaray in Istanbul.

There was also violence between Arsenal and Galatasaray fans at the UEFA Cup final in the same year.

Members of Galatasaray's main supporters' organisation, UltrAslan, say they don't go looking for trouble

Police line the pitch at Galatasaray v Chelsea

Nonetheless, some people feared the worst when Galatasaray were drawn against English opposition in the second phase of this season's Champions League

Like Galatasaray supporters, Liverpool fans are well known for the quality of their support.

They've also had to deal with the consequences of football violence.

That's one of the reasons the two sets of fans are so keen that the Champions League matches should be passionate - but friendly.

One group of Liverpool supporters started by visiting Galatasaray message boards on the Internet - and making themselves known.

Stephen Davies was one of the founders of the Independent Liverpool Supporters' Association.

"We were trying to explain how we'd been to seven different cities from Bucharest to Barcelona and had a great time, and to explain that we went to have a good time and enjoy the culture" he says.

Tributes for two Leeds fans stabbed in Istanbul

"This is what we want to do in Istanbul - we want to learn about the culture, and we're hoping to form positive links".

Galatasaray's fans are aware that they've got an image problem. So they were glad of the chance to build some friendships

"We were writing emails and making the atmosphere warm" says Gala fan Murat.

"After the Leeds game things were bad, and we want to build a clean relationship".

It obviously makes it a lot easier for the clubs if fans are making some efforts to police themselves.

And Galatasaray are pleased their supporters have been in contact with their Liverpool counter-parts.

Enis Sevil, a member of Galatasaray's board, lived in England and knows all about the Liverpool fans.

"I hope people realise that it's just a game, and that the matches are friendly, whoever wins" he said.

Even so, fans like Stephen Davies are disappointed they haven't had more official support for their efforts

Galatasaray supporters are keen to lose their sinister reputation

The football authorities, police and even governments have all been searching for a solution to the problem of violence at matches.

Rogan Taylor, Director of the Football Research Unit at Liverpool University, thinks the authorities need to put a little more faith in fans who want to promote friendship rather than violence.

"These kinds of liaisons have been going on for quite some time, and some fan groups have a lot of experience" he says.

"I do think that the football associations and governments and police should use these people and listen to what they've learned".

Liverpool supporters are keen to extend the hand of friendship

That, perhaps, is for the future. In the meantime, the Lion and the Liverbird are getting ready to meet - first at Anfield, then in Istanbul.

And the fans who made their first contacts on internet message boards are looking forward to swapping a few songs, and perhaps raising the odd glass as well.

You can hear all of Guy De Launey's report from Istanbul on World Football on Saturday 16 February on BBC World Service. Check local listings for exact times. Or you can use the audio link at the top of the page.