Ancelotti expresses sadness over violence in Lille ahead of Galatasaray Champions League clash

Davide Ancelotti, Lille’s manager, delivered an emotional statement on Tuesday at a press conference ahead of his team’s home match against Galatasaray at Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Wednesday, 18:45) in the third round of the Champions League. He spoke about the violence that struck Lille on October 17, in the context of student protests against rising prices.

“I don’t spend much time outside the house because I live in the old quarter of Lille. It’s very frustrating. I’ve seen many shops I used to visit that have nothing left. It’s really very sad,” the manager said. He added: “It’s not my job to provide solutions, but what I see as a resident of Lille is very frustrating.”

The official Lille club store was vandalized and looted during these events, and Lille’s town hall was also stormed. The city still bears visible traces of this chaos four days before the match kicks off.

On the Turkish side, concern also prevails. According to DHA news agency, Galatasaray contacted UEFA to obtain guarantees regarding the safety of its team and delegations in France.

Local authorities had anticipated risks since October 13. The Nord prefecture issued a decision strictly regulating conditions for entry to the stadium, specifically stating that “access to the stadium and surrounding areas will be prohibited to anyone claiming or acting as a Galatasaray supporter or sympathizer, outside the designated visitor zone”.

On the sporting front, Lille enters this match from a precarious position. After losses to Real Betis (2-3) and then a heavy defeat to Arsenal (3-0) in the opening two rounds, the French side has yet to earn any points in the group stage and sees this match as an opportunity to restart their European campaign.