League One side MK Dons fans "are chipping in to pay for repairs to a pitch damaged by a flare in the FA Cup first round." A Hyde United supporter "threw the pyrotechnic onto the 4G pitch" before kickoff on Friday at Ewen Fields, which set fire to the artificial surface. Hyde United faces a "hefty repair bill." Supporters of MK Dons "have now created a crowdfunding page to try to raise £1,000" for the Northern Premier League Division One North club (BBC, 11/9).
Serie A side Atalanta presented its plans for the redevelopment of the Stadio Atleti Azzurri D'Italia. The club bought the stadium from the city council earlier this year for a total of €11.2M ($13M). Atalanta on Thursday presented plans to redevelop the ground into a more "English style" stadium, with the two ends "squared off and united with the rest of the stadium." The current capacity will be increased from 21,300 seats to 24,000 (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 11/9).
FIA "is hoping that new grooves carved into the Interlagos track surface will help to address any potential issues with flooding" in this weekend's Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix. The Interlagos race "has often been affected by rain" -- with more forecast for this weekend -- and "poor drainage has been a regular issue" (MOTORSPORT, 11/9).
