Crystal Palace Fans Deface Stadium in Fiery Protest Over Europa League Demotion

Crystal Palace supporters unleashed their anger on Tuesday as they protested their team's demotion from the Europa League, defacing their own stadium and directing their frustration at UEFA. The passionate demonstration saw fans chant anti-UEFA slogans and spray graffiti on the walls of Selhurst Park, with messages like "UEFA mafia" and "Morally bankrupt. Revoke the ruling now" prominently displayed.

The controversy stems from UEFA's decision to drop Crystal Palace into the Conference League, with Nottingham Forest reportedly set to take their place in the Europa League. The move has sparked outrage among Palace fans, who argue that the ruling is unjust. The club's ownership structure, particularly the recent sale of John Textor's 44.9% stake, has been a focal point of the dispute.

Hundreds of supporters gathered outside Selhurst Park, with some climbing walls and setting off flares to amplify their message. The Holmesdale Fanatics, a prominent Palace ultras group, have even sent a delegation to UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, to continue their protest. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has called the demotion "the biggest injustice in the history of football" and urged UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin to intervene.

UEFA's official website has already listed Nottingham Forest as one of England's representatives in the Europa League, alongside Aston Villa. While the decision is not yet final, pending Crystal Palace's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the leak has further fueled the controversy. The club is arguing that UEFA's decision to move the multi-club ownership disengagement deadline from June to March was unfair.

However, their case faces challenges after CAS recently dismissed a similar appeal from Slovakian side DAC 1904, which was also penalized under UEFA's multi-club ownership rules. Despite the setback, Palace remains determined to fight the decision and restore their place in the Europa League.

The protest highlights the growing tensions between fans and football governing bodies, as supporters demand fairness and transparency in decisions that impact their clubs.