Tuesday's UEFA Champions League game between Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United was briefly halted during the second half following a protest from fans.
A group of Dortmund supporters threw fake money and gold bars onto the pitch. Many of those without homemade props then threw litter.
The protest was aimed at UEFA, European soccer's governing body, over its decision to expand the Champions League from next season.
A banner displayed at the front of Westfalenstadion's southern terrace, better known as the Yellow Wall, read: "YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT THE SPORT - ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS MONEY!"
Dortmund beat Newcastle 2-0 thanks to goals from Niclas Fullkrug and Julian Brandt.
Busy night for Dortmund fans as they protest against UEFA’s new Champions League format by:
— Daniel Hussey (@DanielHussey2) November 7, 2023
- Holding up banner - “You don't care about the sport - all you care about is money” ✅
- Throwing fake bars of gold and money bags on pitch ✅
They also beat Newcastle 2-0! pic.twitter.com/B43TGOWvOl
⌛️ FT | Dortmund 2 - 0 Newcastle
— Bet Pro Tips (@BetProTips_com) November 7, 2023
Dortmund fans make their statement as the team conquers the pitch with a 2-0 victory against Newcastle. ⚽️#ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/gJz0OoDfIY
The 2024/25 edition of the UEFA Champions League will feature 36 teams in the group stage, rather than 32.
Each of those teams will play eight group games, rather than six.
All 36 teams will compete in one big league, although they will not all play against each other.
After all eight rounds of fixtures have been played, the eight teams with the most points will progress to the round of 16.
Meanwhile, the teams placed ninth to 24th will compete against each other in two-legged playoffs, with the eight winners qualifying for the last 16.
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