Police prepared for arrival of thousands of Turkish football fans

The Metropolitan Police have insisted that they have plans in place to deal with the thousands of Turkish fans due to arrive in London for the Champions League and Europa League.

Galatasaray are due to take on Arsenal at the Emirates in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Tottenham Hotspur welcome Besiktas to North London on Thursday in the second tier of European football.

The travelling fans already have a negative reputation following last season's derby between Galatasaray and Besiktas, which was abandoned when hundreds of fans stormed the pitch in Istanbul.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "We are aware of the background of the two clubs and appropriate plans will be in place. We are also aware that the clubs will have supporters already based in London."

Galatasaray are expecting 3,000 fans at the Emirates Stadium, while Besiktas have sold 2,800 tickets for their match against Spurs.