“Stop the genocide”: Galatasaray makes bold statement in UEFA Champions League match

In a powerful display of solidarity, fans of Turkish football giants Galatasaray unveiled a massive tifo featuring the Palestinian flag and a banner reading "Stop the Genocide!" ahead of their UEFA Champions League match against Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt at Rams Park Stadium.

The choreographed spectacle, organized by the club's passionate ultras, transformed an entire stand into the colors of the Palestinian flag, red, white, black, and green, using coordinated cards and sheets held aloft by thousands of supporters.

The message calls for an end to the violence in Gaza.

Galatasaray's official X account shared an image of the display, captioning it simply: "Stop the genocide! #FreePalestine."

Stop the genocide! #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/LwyW6H0WmY

— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) October 22, 2025

Hebrew media outlet Yedioth Ahronoth described the act as an "anti-Israel protest” and claimed the club’s fans “are known for their extreme positions.”

Galatasaray and other clubs like Fenerbahçe have previously shown support for Palestine, including similar displays in past European fixtures.

In November 2024, during a Europa League match against Tottenham, Galatasaray fans unveiled banners reading "Free Palestine," "Palestinian Genocide," and "Let Gaza Babies Live”.

Earlier in 2025, during another Europa League game, fans thanked Celtic supporters for their pro-Palestine stance and reiterated calls to "Stop the genocide in Palestine."

UEFA, European football's governing body, has strict rules against political messages in stadiums, and such displays could lead to fines or other sanctions for the club.

Galatasaray may face punishment, similar to past incidents where clubs have been penalized for fan-led political expressions.

Neither UEFA nor Galatasaray has issued an immediate response to the display.

Galatasaray won the match, in a 3-1 result over the Norwegian side.

Victor Osimhen’s first-half brace and Yunus Akgün’s stunning 60th-minute curler secured the win, despite a late reply from Andreas Helmersen.

The victory gives Galatasaray six points from two matches, while Bodø/Glimt drop to four.