THE Foreign Office have advised travelling Celtic fans not to use the metro system in Istanbul during their visit to Turkey for next week’s Europa League meeting with Fenerbahce.
The warning comes in the wake of Tuesday’s pipe bomb on an overpass close to Bayrampasa metro station in the city, which injured five people at the height of Istanbul’s rush hour.
Turkey has been on high alert since over 100 people were killed by two suicide bombers in Ankara in October, while a similar attack near the Syrian border left 33 dead in July.
Istanbul-based Turkish side Fenerbahce host Celtic on December 10, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm GMT, and fans have also been advised not to display their colours in public.
"Istanbul police advise against using the Metro,” said The Foreign Office. “Alternative bus lines are available."
The advice also states Celtic supporters should "try not to travel alone to the stadium and avoid displaying Celtic flags/shirts in public places".
Speaking to the BBC, a UEFA spokesman added: "In general, the summary is that there is no advice not to travel, but the Celtic supporters are advised not to use the metro and to avoid public demonstrations."
