Manchester United fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch during their UEFA Champions League match against AS Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 — a pre-planned demonstration timed to mark 21 years since the Glazer family’s leveraged buyout.
The protest began after United fell behind 2-0 inside 18 minutes. Matìas Soulè scored for Roma in the 11th minute. Seven minutes later, Donyell Malen converted a penalty to extend Roma’s lead.
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A small number of tennis balls were thrown from the Stretford End and removed quickly by players, causing only a brief delay.
United supporters have opposed the Glazer family since their 2005 acquisition. British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 25% stake in 2024 for $1.3 billion and assumed control of soccer operations. Since then, United has fired two head coaches. Manager Michael Carrick faces scrutiny amid the club’s poor start to the season.
United entered the match on a nine-game winless run and ranked 17th in the Premier League. Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty to cut Roma’s lead to 2-1.
Photo: Arne Müseler / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
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