CONI call on clubs to take action
CONI chief Gianni Petrucci has told clubs they must feel part of the process rather than "victims" of fan violence.
The head of the Italian Olympic Committee met with FIGC Commissioner Luca Pancalli this morning ahead of Monday’s crisis talks with the Government.
All football activity in Italy was suspended on Friday after 38-year-old Chief Inspector Filippo Raciti was killed by rioting Catania fans, although the police have now confirmed they are treating it as a pre-meditated murder rather than a brawl that got out of hand.
"As for when the games will resume, a decision will be made by Commissioner Pancalli after we meet with the Government. It’s only logical, right and necessary to listen to those who set the law."
However, Petrucci warned that even when that happens, fans might still not be allowed in. Only stadiums that are up to code – currently only four in Serie A – will be given licences.
"All stadiums must be ratified so, as it is law and has been for some time, the Legge Pisanu has to be adopted by all clubs. We know full well there are costs involved and that there is a financial crisis, but faced with the loss of human life, none of that can be used as an excuse."
To date only the Stadio Meazza in Milan, Turin’s Stadio Olimpico, the Barbera in Palermo and Rome’s Olimpico pass the tests set out by the Legge Pisanu for CCTV footage, turnstiles and security checks.
The increase in violence has been tipped by many as the reason why attendances are dropping in Serie A this season.
"I understand this may be an inconvenience for fans and clubs alike, but if the games are entertaining and the teams win, then people will return to the stadium. Right now we need to do whatever we can to ensure safety and set out laws so that they will be respected."
Another sore point in the Petrucci-Pancalli meeting concerns the long-standing culture of the Ultras in Italian football, where fan club leaders regularly hold talks with officials and even demand free tickets in exchange for a ‘calm’ match day.
"I hope that the clubs will not have any kind of rapport with the Ultras," continued the CONI chief. “They must recognise that the Olympic Committee contains 43 Federations, but football is the only one where there is constant trouble. We have to work together and that means the clubs need to feel themselves part of the process rather than victims.
"We want the stadiums to be opened up again, not these provoking statements that all football should be suspended for a year to reflect. We shared Pancalli’s decision to halt the championships for this week, but before we do begin again, we must have some guarantees. We can’t just go back to square one because the show must go on."
He also had stern words for the media, directors and Coaches in the wake of Calciopoli.
"This is a wonderful sport that moves people like few others, but when you think you lose only because of the referee and that a victory means you’re stronger than anyone else, it doesn’t help create a sporting culture."
Source: C4 Football Italia
The head of the Italian Olympic Committee met with FIGC Commissioner Luca Pancalli this morning ahead of Monday’s crisis talks with the Government.
All football activity in Italy was suspended on Friday after 38-year-old Chief Inspector Filippo Raciti was killed by rioting Catania fans, although the police have now confirmed they are treating it as a pre-meditated murder rather than a brawl that got out of hand.
"As for when the games will resume, a decision will be made by Commissioner Pancalli after we meet with the Government. It’s only logical, right and necessary to listen to those who set the law."
However, Petrucci warned that even when that happens, fans might still not be allowed in. Only stadiums that are up to code – currently only four in Serie A – will be given licences.
"All stadiums must be ratified so, as it is law and has been for some time, the Legge Pisanu has to be adopted by all clubs. We know full well there are costs involved and that there is a financial crisis, but faced with the loss of human life, none of that can be used as an excuse."
To date only the Stadio Meazza in Milan, Turin’s Stadio Olimpico, the Barbera in Palermo and Rome’s Olimpico pass the tests set out by the Legge Pisanu for CCTV footage, turnstiles and security checks.
The increase in violence has been tipped by many as the reason why attendances are dropping in Serie A this season.
"I understand this may be an inconvenience for fans and clubs alike, but if the games are entertaining and the teams win, then people will return to the stadium. Right now we need to do whatever we can to ensure safety and set out laws so that they will be respected."
Another sore point in the Petrucci-Pancalli meeting concerns the long-standing culture of the Ultras in Italian football, where fan club leaders regularly hold talks with officials and even demand free tickets in exchange for a ‘calm’ match day.
"I hope that the clubs will not have any kind of rapport with the Ultras," continued the CONI chief. “They must recognise that the Olympic Committee contains 43 Federations, but football is the only one where there is constant trouble. We have to work together and that means the clubs need to feel themselves part of the process rather than victims.
"We want the stadiums to be opened up again, not these provoking statements that all football should be suspended for a year to reflect. We shared Pancalli’s decision to halt the championships for this week, but before we do begin again, we must have some guarantees. We can’t just go back to square one because the show must go on."
He also had stern words for the media, directors and Coaches in the wake of Calciopoli.
"This is a wonderful sport that moves people like few others, but when you think you lose only because of the referee and that a victory means you’re stronger than anyone else, it doesn’t help create a sporting culture."
Source: C4 Football Italia
posted by italian calcio blog at 6:22 pm
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