Lang, who came on for Sacha Boey at the start of the second half, sustained the injury in the 75th minute. After a challenge with midfielder Curtis Jones, the Dutch forward lost his balance and fell towards an advertising board positioned close to the touchline.

In an attempt to brace himself, Lang's right thumb became wedged between two advertising panels, which then pressed tightly together. This unusual accident severed the 26-year-old player's fingertip.

Lang immediately reacted in pain, writhing near Liverpool's goal as blood flowed from the wound. His compatriot, defender Virgil van Dijk, along with other Liverpool players, offered comfort during the temporary halt in play.

Noa Lang reacts to his hand injury during Galatasaray's 0-4 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League round of 16 second leg at Anfield, Liverpool, England on 18/3. Photo: AP

The Dutch forward receives medical attention. Photo: AP

Medical staff carry Noa Lang off the field on a stretcher. Photo: AP

Officials inspect the advertising board after the match. Photo: AP

Galatasaray's medical team quickly attended to Lang, providing first aid before he was stretchered off. He was unable to continue and was replaced by Mauro Icardi. Following the match, stadium staff and organizers inspected the advertising board area to determine the cause of the incident.

In the post-match press conference, coach Okan Buruk confirmed that Lang was transported to a hospital in Liverpool and might require surgery before returning to Turkey. "Lang is being taken to the hospital; the finger issue is serious. If immediate surgery is needed, we will make that decision", he stated.

On 18/3 at Anfield, Galatasaray was outmatched, managing only two shots, one of which was on target, compared to Liverpool's 28 shots with 16 on target. The Turkish side suffered a 0-4 defeat, resulting in a 1-4 aggregate elimination.

Coach Okan Buruk expressed disappointment with the outcome and criticized the refereeing. "We expected the best referee in the world, but instead got the worst", he said, suggesting that the refereeing team overlooked numerous fouls by Liverpool players, particularly in the first half.

Galatasaray currently leads the Turkish Super Lig with 64 points, ahead of Fenerbahce despite playing one fewer match. The team has also reached the quarterfinals of the Turkish Cup, where they are scheduled to face Genclerbirligi on 21/4.

By Hong Duy (according to AP, AS)