Galatasaray disinfect stadium ahead of derby against Besiktas due to coronavirus

Galatasaray have begun preparations for their derby against Besiktas on Sunday by disinfecting their whole stadium due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite several leagues all across Europe being suspended due to the virus, the Turkish Super Lig has so far bucked the trend of postponing matches.

Turkey announced its sixth coronavirus case on Saturday, but league fixtures are still due to go ahead following Sports Minister Muharrem Kasapoglu's statement on Wednesday.

And Sunday's fixtures sees two of the so-called 'Big Three' in Turkish football go head-to-head, with both Istanbul sides currently in the race for European places next season.

However, precautions are still being taken, and people dressed in white hazmat suits were seen spraying disinfectant all over the Turk Telekom Stadium on Sunday morning.

Kasapoglu said on Wednesday that the government had not yet considered imposing a ban on spectators, and as a result a raucous crowd is expected for the Istanbul derby at the 52,000-seater stadium.

Fatih Terim's Galatasaray are currently unbeaten in nine matches in the Turkish top-flight ahead of Sunday's fixture, with Colombian striker Radamel Falcao scoring nine times in just 13 Super Lig appearances.

They however sit three points behind Trabzonspor and Istanbul Basaksehir, who are leading the way in the league with 52 points.

Besiktas however face a challenge to qualify for the Europa League, with Sergen Yalcin's men six points off fourth-place Sivasspor, who drew with Galatasaray last time out.

However, Besiktas have won four of their last six matches in the Super Lig, with veteran forward Burak Yilmaz netting 11 times in 19 league appearances this season.