Chaos in the Champions League as Galatasaray goalkeeper sparks ugly brawl after conceding goal

Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera sparked a wild late brawl in the Champions League after an almighty head loss.

The Turkish champions hosted Young Boys in the second leg of the Champions League play-off, having lost the first fixture 3-2 in Switzerland despite Michy Batshuayi bagging a brace.

Centre-back Abdulkerim Bardakci was sent off in the 84th minute in that game but Muslera saw red even later in the second contest just less than a week later.

As Galatasaray threw everything at their opponents, the visitors counter attacked up the other end of the pitch.

Alan Virginius turned on the jets before dinking the ball past Muslera to seal qualification to the next stage.

He put his hands aloft in Jude Bellingham style and then went to celebrate with the away supporters.

But as he sprinted away, the red mist descended for veteran Muslera, who petulantly kicked out at Virginius.

Although Virginius was not happy, he didn't retaliate and was embraced by some of his colleagues - though plenty of his teammates did engage in a brief melee.

The skirmish didn't last all that long after the referee stepped in and gave Uruguayan Muslera his marching orders for the cynical hack.

Madness in Turkey! 😱

Galatasaray GK Fernando Muslera loses his head and sees red after conceding a late goal to Young Boys winger Alan Virginius 🟥 pic.twitter.com/VC0Sjz9Y5w

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 27, 2024

The 38-year-old was forced to exit the pitch and Kerem Akturkoglu had to be replaced by substitute goalkeeper Gunay Guvenc in the 89th minute for the final moments.

Muslera is the most decorated goalkeeper in the Turkish Super Lig after winning seven titles in 13 seasons with Galatasaray since joining in 2011.

Having beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford in the group stage last season, Galatasaray will not feature in the revamped Champions League and will instead drop down to the Europa League.

Okan Buruk's side are fourth in the Turkish Super Lig after winning their first two games of the new campaign.