Belgium: Fans protest

Standard Liege’s match against Westerlo  has been abandoned after a major fan protest against the club’s owner.  The team coach was unable to reach the Stade Maurice Dufrasne due to supporters blocking it. Ten-time Belgium champions Liege are owned by 777 Partners.

Liege fans have been growing in frustration this season, having endured a transfer ban and with the team struggling on the pitch.

Standard fans have been deeply unhappy with the American private investment company’s running of the club since their 2022 takeover, which has seen multiple transfer bans and the club falling to 10th position in the league this season..

"Our team has been blocked at our training centre by certain supporters who decided to prevent them from reaching the stadium, (therefore) our club was unable to take part in the meeting scheduled for this Friday evening against KVC Westerlo," Liege said in a statement.

"Attempts at discussions with these supporters did not make it possible to find a solution to lift the blockage. Standard Liège deeply regrets this situation and apologises to KVC Westerlo as well as to the supporters of both camps present at the stadium this evening."