Roma Club Ultras Protest over European Match Ticket Ban for Banner Carriers

Roma's fan associations UTR (Unione Tifosi Romanisti) and AIRC (Associazione Italiana Roma Club) staged a protest during yesterday's Champions League match against Real Madrid by refusing to display their banners in the Tevere and Montemario stands at Stadio Olimpico. The action was a show of disagreement over the club's decision to abolish the Alfieri service — the allocation of match tickets to representatives of Roma Clubs — for Champions League fixtures. The club's leadership at both associations described the decision as surprising and unilateral, expressing displeasure at the lack of dialogue offered by the club. They have called for a meeting to discuss the matter soon. The fan groups remained present at the stadium and continued to support and encourage the team, but withheld the display of their banners in protest. According to sources from the associations, Roma's position risks ending a relationship that has spanned decades and could cause serious damage to the warm and colorful atmosphere of the stadium during Roma matches.

AS Roma is nearing completion of a new Hospitality area in the Tevere stand at the Stadio Olimpico, mirroring facilities already operational in the Monte Mario section. The new space will offer Hospitality bracelet holders access to catering and other services. The area is expected to debut during Saturday evening's Serie A match against Genoa.

Real Madrid won 4-3 against Roma on 14 October in a match that carried special significance for José Mourinho, who returned to Stadio Olimpico as an opponent for the first time since his spell in charge of the club. Roma supporters demonstrated their affection for the former manager with dedicated banners honouring him throughout an intense encounter. After the final whistle, Mourinho greeted three Roma players — Gianluca Mancini, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala — in conversation in the plaza outside Stadio Olimpico near the team coaches.