Why Man Utd fans have green and gold balloons in the Stretford End for the Roma game
Thousands of green and gold balloons were let go at Old Trafford before the big Champions League game against Roma – but what was the reason behind it?
On Tuesday night, Manchester United played host to Roma from Serie A in a match that felt really important during a tough season for the team. But even before the game started, there was some drama inside the stadium. Fans in the Stretford End released green and gold balloons to protest against the club’s current owners.
Many fans have been upset with the players and coach Michael Carrick, but most of the frustration is aimed at the club’s board. For years, the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have lost support, and one group of fans decided to make a strong statement on Tuesday night.
The thousands of green and gold balloons represent the club’s original colors and were released as the Champions League music played. After the second goal was scored against United, some fans threw the deflated balloons onto the pitch to show their anger toward the team.
The protest plans were kept secret until just before the game to avoid online spoilers. The fan group wanted to make sure the message came from regular fans who attend matches. They tried to bring a banner saying “No new stadium, we want new owners,” but UEFA didn’t allow it in time.
There’s talk of another protest this weekend when United play Aston Villa at Old Trafford. Some fans on social media are also suggesting everyone leave the stadium at the 21st minute, marking 21 years of Glazer ownership.