Borussia Dortmund Fans Attacked Before Galatasaray Game: Latest Details, Comment

Borussia Dortmund's travelling supporters have been attacked in Istanbul leading up to Wednesday evening's Champions League fixture against Galatasaray, the club has confirmed.

Black and Yellows fanzine schwatzgelb.de (h/t ESPN FC's Stephen Uersfeld) reported that fans had been assaulted in the Turkish city on Tuesday evening.

Uersfeld published a statement from Dortmund press director Sascha Fligge, which reads:

"

We understand that a small group was attacked, and two BVB fans needed to get outpatient treatment. The police arrested a handful of offenders, and confiscated one knife and one baton/iron bar. We have so far not received any feedback from other groups.

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Istanbul holds a reputation as a hostile environment for teams to travel, but it's also grown to become an often unenviable destination for supporters, too.

Video surfaced on Tuesday of a knife being brandished in the presence of the German supporters, who were peppered with smashed bottles and furniture outside a Turkish bar:

It's not the first time this season that a Galatasaray match has led to controversy. The club recently incurred UEFA's wrath after flares and fireworks disrupted their away fixture at Arsenal.

According to the Press Association (h/t The Guardian), the Turkish outfit was fined €50,000 after missiles were fired onto the Emirates Stadium pitch. They will also be forced to reimburse the Gunners for any damages caused.

Dortmund head into Wednesday's fixture as clear Group D leaders, five points separating them and bottom-of-the-pile Galatasaray.

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

In a competition that continues to entertain in such elite circumstances, it's disappointing that off-field antics should add such an unfortunately sad tone to proceedings.

It is an issue that runs far deeper than any sport really should. Travelling fans should be welcomed to a city, and certainly should not expect to have to pay a visit to hospital during their trip.

As far as Jurgen Klopp's players should be concerned, a third successive pool victory would be the best manner in which to pay tribute to their stricken fans.