UEFA have launched an immediate review of pitch-side advertising boards after Galatasaray winger Noa Lang suffered a severe thumb injury during Wednesday’s Champions League clash at Anfield.
The Dutch international was stretchered off late in the second half after slicing his thumb on an LED board near the touchline while chasing a ball. Lang underwent successful surgery in Liverpool with Galatasaray’s medical team present and confirmed Thursday it “went well,” thanking fans for their support.
Galatasaray are pushing for compensation, with general secretary Eray Yazga revealing a formal complaint to UEFA and plans to sue for salary coverage during Lang’s absence.
“We are in talks with lawyers. We will file a lawsuit for compensation to UEFA,” Yazga said.
UEFA responded by stating they have reviewed the incident and will scrutinize similar setups at future matches: “UEFA has reviewed the circumstances leading to the unfortunate accident suffered by Galatasaray SK player Noa Lang and will be reviewing the pitch-side set up, including LED boards at all upcoming matches to identify any potential comparable risks and ask clubs to take appropriate measures if necessary. We wish Noa Lang a full and swift recovery.”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Lang’s Netherlands teammate, called it “a very big accident” unrelated to the stadium itself and hopes the 26-year-old recovers quickly for upcoming international friendlies.