Turkish Super League giants Galatasaray have failed in their bid to have fans in attendance for the Europa League clash at Lazio after their appeal against a two-match ban was thrown out by UEFA, European football’s governing body.

Galatasaray had earlier been handed a two-match ban on having their fans at away grounds and the club swiftly contested the ruling, but they will have to serve the punishment after their appeal was dismissed. Galatasaray were punished with a two-match ban for their away fans for their behaviour during the Europa League match at Marseille on the final day of September. The crowd trouble marred the game which ended in a goalless draw. 

With the two-match ban in place, Galatasaray fans won’t be at the Stadio Olimpico when the Turkish Super League giants take on Lazio on December 9. In addition, the Turkish Super League side also copped a €50,000 fine for the throwing of objects and lighting of fireworks during the Marseille game. Also, a fine of €8,000 was handed out to Galatasaray for the damage caused by their supporters and they have been given 30 days to contact French side Marseille.

Group E is one of the toughest groups in the Europa League this season and Turkish giants Galatasaray are the pacesetters in the group with a record of two wins and two draws from their first four games. 

Galatasaray have a three-point lead at the top of the group ahead of the final two group games. The Turkish giants have eight points from four games, while Lazio, in second place, have five points from four games with a record of one win, two draws and one draw.

French giants Marseille face a big task to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the top two teams as they are in third place with four points from four games. Marseille have drawn all their four matches in the Europa League group stage this season. Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow are last on the Group E standings with two points from four games.