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Galatasaray Ultras: The UltrAslan, Tifos, history and more

Written by Andy Delaney
Last Update: November 5, 2024
Published on

There aren't many football ultra groups around the world more feared than the Galatasaray Ultras thanks to a reputation that goes back decades and numbers that rival any fan group on the planet. These fans have made Istanbul a place of legend among match-going supporters and made the trip often feel like one that is as much about survival as it is enjoyment.

For everything you need to know about the Galatasaray ultras, including their history, their beliefs and most infamous incidents, our guide below has you covered.

galatasaray ultras
Galatasaray ultras often create incredible atmospheres inside Rams Park – Photo by Imago

Who are the Galatasaray Ultras?

Galatasaray Ultras are known as UltrAslan – a combination of the word Ultras and the word Aslan (Lion). Although Galatasaray's supporters have been revered around the world since the 1960s and 70s, the UltrAslan were only officially formed in 2001 when their fans decided that they needed one organised hub.

Despite their impressive support, nobody could have predicted how big UltrAslan would become with the group now so influential that they play a significant role in Galatasaray's transfer activity each summer, with their voices and opinions on players welcomed by the club.

The group currently has around 100,000 members making it the largest ultra group in the world and they make use of these numbers very well. They have made Rams Park a place to be feared, with flares, banners and noise commonplace, particularly for big European matches and Istanbul derbies.

Unlike many other Ultra groups across the world, UltrAslan don't get involved with political statements and strictly focus on footballing issues. They have frequently applied severe pressure on the Galatasaray board and refuse to take any handouts from the club in relation to tickets and merchandise to ensure they can properly hold them to account when things aren't going well.

Due to their sheer size, the UltraSlan don't have a designated section at Rams Park but they are typically most vocal behind both goals.

Galatasaray ultras incidents

Galatasaray ultras have been involved in plenty of damning incidents over the years. Some of the most notable are listed below.

Leeds fans killed by Galatasaray ultras

The darkest day in the history of Leeds United came at the hands of Galatasaray ultras prior to the two clubs meeting in the UEFA Cup semi-finals in April 2000. Fighting broke out between both sets of supporters on the eve of the match and it resulted in two innocent Leeds fans, Chris Loftus and Kevin Speight, being stabbed to death.

The harrowing incident resulted in Galatasaray fans being banned from attending the second leg at Elland Road a week later.

UEFA Cup final riots

A month after the murder of Chris Loftus and Kevin Speight, more fighting broke out ahead of the UEFA Cup final in Copenhagen. Hundreds of British hooligans travelled over to confront the UltrAslan, seeking revenge for what happened in Istanbul a month prior. The fighting resulted in 19 injuries, four stabbings and 60 arrests.

PSG fan left beaten and stripped

Galatasaray ultras clashed with PSG ultras in December 2023 ahead of their Champions League group stage clash. Around 100 Galatasaray fans gathered at the Saint-Cloud roundabout and began attacking PSG supporters at will. One PSG supporters was left stripped and badly beaten until he was discovered by local police.

Getting flares banned

Although they still manage to get flares inside stadia around Turkey, Galatasaray fans are responsible for the blanket ban on pyros in the Turkish Leagues due to setting off more than 3,000 during a match against Fenerbahce in 2012. The flares were so prominent that the match had to be stopped temporarily.

Galatasaray tifos

While Galatasaray fans do have a bleak past when it comes to violence, sections of the fanbase who are responsible for organising banners and tifos should be proud of themselves as they have had some belters over the years.

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Andy Delaney

Andy is a freelance sports writer with ten years of experience covering major sporting events across Europe. He has also been a season ticket holder at Old Trafford since 2008 and has visited over 40 football stadiums in the United Kingdom and abroad following the Reds.

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