Champions League on 9/11: an unworthy match. On 11 September 2001, the day that changed the world, the terrorist attacks on the United States killed more than 3,000 people. In truth, football should have been unthinkable.
UEFA nevertheless insisted the Champions League matchday go ahead. Schalke had to play Panathinaikos at home and lost 2–0. The first Champions League game in the club’s history became a farce. In his autobiography, Huub Stevens recalled how the mood collapsed the moment the players understood what was unfolding on the TV screens.
Rudi Assauer immediately appealed to UEFA to postpone the match. UEFA refused.