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Galatasaray will be placed under extraordinary security measures during its visit to France for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League clash against Lille, with six snipers, 250 specially trained soldiers and approximately 1,000 gendarmerie and security personnel assigned to protect the Turkish club amid widespread unrest across the country.
According to French newspaper L'Equipe, snipers will be stationed on the roof of the team's hotel. At the same time, military and security units will be deployed around the property to safeguard players and staff.
The measures come as Lille remains among the French cities affected by nationwide protests, prompting authorities to introduce a two-day curfew ahead of the match.
Galatasaray had previously approached UEFA, European soccer's governing body, to request additional security for its players and supporters following escalating violence in France.
The Istanbul club also remained in contact with the Turkish Embassy in France and Türkiye's Foreign Ministry, emphasizing that it wanted stronger protective measures rather than a change of venue.
Despite the security concerns, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that Champions League fixtures scheduled in France this week, including Lille's meeting with Galatasaray, would go ahead as planned.
The security operation follows nearly a month of demonstrations that initially broke out over teacher shortages and deteriorating school conditions in disadvantaged French suburbs.
The protests subsequently drew support from the Yellow Vest movement, which campaigns against rising living costs, as well as farmers protesting fuel prices and climate activists.
Over the weekend, clashes between demonstrators and police intensified across several cities, accompanied by widespread looting and arson. More than 2,400 people were reportedly detained, while approximately 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation Monday evening, calling for accountability over the violence and damage caused during the unrest.
Galatasaray will face Lille at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq on Wednesday, Oct. 21, with kickoff scheduled for 7:45 p.m. Türkiye time (6:45 p.m. in France).
Slovenian referee Rade Obrenovic will oversee the match, which will be broadcast in Türkiye on TRT 1 and the tabii streaming platform.
Both teams are looking to pick up their first points of the Champions League league phase after opening with consecutive defeats.
Galatasaray lost 3-1 away to Sporting CP before falling 4-1 at home to Barcelona, while Lille suffered a 3-2 home defeat against Real Betis and a 3-0 away loss to Arsenal.
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