Fans told to avoid Turkey

Chelsea have refused to take up their ticket allocation for next month's Champions League visit to Besiktas because of inadequate security measures.

Chelsea ran out 5-0 winners on their last trip to Istanbul, a Champions League group game against Galatasaray four years ago, but are unlikely to have any fans supporting them when they return to the city on December 9.

The club are still in talks to try to resolve the situation but have urged fans not to follow them to Turkey.

A club statement said: "The club are not yet in a position to take up their ticket allocation for the forthcoming UEFA Champions League match versus Besiktas in Istanbul.

"Proposed security arrangements around this fixture for travelling Chelsea fans do not, at present, satisfy the club's conditions for ensuring an enjoyable and secure football experience.

"Chelsea are in a continuing review process with all the relevant authorities with the intention of reaching a satisfactory resolution. Officials at UEFA are co-ordinating this action on behalf of the club, but we advise fans not to commit to travel and accommodation arrangements for Turkey at this stage."

English and Turkish fans have clashed repeatedly over the past few years, and two Leeds supporters were killed before the club's UEFA Cup semi-final against Galatasaray in Istanbul three years ago.

The Football Association also refused their allocation of tickets for England's European Championship qualifier in Turkey last month, though a small number of fans defied the travel ban and entered the stadium.