Noisy football fans do truly make a difference

It is not uncommon to hear a football manager claim that his side’s fans can be a difference maker. But in the case of Besiktas that is a philosophy that can be backed up as their supporters literally did make a difference in the Uefa Champions League match with RB Leipzig as they proved so noisy they actually forced a player off the field. Timo Werner, the Germany striker, had to be substituted after 32 minutes as he complained of dizziness. “Timo had circulation and breathing problems,” said Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuettl. Werner struggled with the intense noise from Besiktas’ fans at the Vodafone Arena and after ear plugs failed to reduce the din for him, he put his hands over his ears in clear distress before being taken off. “In the first half, the lads were a little overwhelmed by the occasion,” said Hasenhuettl. “It’s impossible to prepare your team for an atmosphere like this. There was a deafening noise. It was clear to see that being the young team we are, we need to gain some experience.”