Coach Garcia plea to fans as Roma squeeze into last 16

Roma welcomed the Belarusian champions to the Stadio Olimpico knowing defeat would end their bid to reach the knockout phase for the first time since the 2010-2011 campaign.

And only a couple of great stops from Roma 'keeper Wojciech Szczesny, one of which came at point-blank range, kept the hosts in contention as Aleksandr Yermakovich's visitors grew increasingly bold on the counter-attack during what was a much-improved second half from the hosts.

Roma had 24 attempts on goal but ultimately failed to appease fans by hitting the net, prompting a mass protest even after hearing the announcer confirm their qualification to the knockout phase.

The president of Roma, James Pallotta, meanwhile launched an astonishing attack on media Wednesday, accusing them of "beating up" the Serie A club's players.

Pallotta was asked his opinion of the game by reporters and launched a scathing attack of the media's treatment of the players at the club.

"What I really want to say, I wish on a daily basis that some of you would leave these guys alone, they're a good group of guys," said Pallotta.

"It's just seriously getting tired (sic) on a day by day basis, that some continue to make up and keep beating on these guys"