United fans throw tennis balls onto pitch in anti-Glazer protest against Roma

Manchester United supporters threw tennis balls onto the pitch at Old Trafford during an anti-Glazer protest on Tuesday 3 November. The Champions League match against Roma was briefly delayed.

The protest took place around the 20-minute mark, with United already two goals behind. Fans used a stoppage to throw tennis balls and other objects onto the playing surface. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo kicked them away before play continued.

There had also been a protest before kick-off. The Daily Star reported that supporters in the Stretford End released green and gold balloons to show their opposition to the Glazer ownership.

Roma led by two at half-time

Matias Soule put Roma ahead in the 11th minute after Kobbie Mainoo lost possession. With Diogo Dalot forward, Soule found space on United’s left to score.

Six minutes later, Ayden Heaven blocked a Soule shot with his arm on his first Champions League start. A VAR review upheld the penalty decision, and Donyell Malen converted, sending Senne Lammens the wrong way.

Speaking on Amazon Prime, Alan Shearer described United’s first-half performance as “embarrassing”. Former referee Mark Clattenburg agreed with the decision to award Roma a penalty.

Leny Yoro’s late tackle prevented a third Roma goal before the interval. Michael Carrick’s team trailed 2-0 at half-time, having entered the match on a nine-game winless run and with one victory from three Champions League fixtures.