Roma fan groups protest Champions League ticket ban

Roma's ultras groups staged a protest during yesterday's European fixture at the Stadio Olimpico by refusing to display their traditional banners. The club denied tickets to the Alfieri—flag-bearers responsible for unfurling the banners—for all European matches, prompting both the AIRC and UTR fan associations to withdraw their displays in response. The banners, which have long created the stadium's visual spectacle and sense of belonging recognised worldwide, are governed by strict regulations requiring the Alfieri to display them and keep them unfurled until the final whistle. The associations issued a joint statement: "In Tevere and Monte Mario the club banners were not displayed in protest by both AIRC and UTR associations. The society has decided to remove tickets from the Alfieri on the occasion of European matches. The club banners have always coloured the stands creating a beautiful scenography rich in warmth, pride and sense of belonging recognisable throughout the world and are regulated by precise indications from UTR itself. In fact they must be displayed obligatorily by the Alfieri and must not be removed before the final whistle. The clubs were nonetheless present with their passion in the stands, but did not bring the banner to show their disapproval towards the society for the anti-Alfieri decision taken for European 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.