May 13 – Supporters’ protests forced 777 Partners-owned Standard Liège to postpone their league match with Westerlo after the team coach was blocked from reaching the stadium.
The fans of the Walloon club have long been disgruntled with club management under its US ownership. They stepped up their protests this weekend by preventing the team bus from leaving the training centre.
“Attempts at discussions with these supporters did not find a solution to lift the blockage,” a club statement said. “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.”
Standard finished tenth in the in the regular season, but have gone seven matches without a win in the preliminary playoffs for qualification to European club competitions. The disappointing results are but a part of the reason why fans have revolted.
The club is currently under a temporary transfer embargo in light of 777 Partners’ precarious financial position.
The Miami-based investment company also have stakes Serie A side Genoa, German second-tier side Hertha Berlin and Vasco da Gama in Brazil.
Their current bid to acquire Everton in the Premier League has asked further questions of 777 Partners’ fragile finances. The investment firm is facing a $600 million fraud lawsuit in a federal court in New York, and its Australian airline Bonza is grounded.
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