Italian football suspended following violence in Sicily (2)

Italy's international and domestic football Championships have been suspended indefinitely after the death of a police officer during serious trouble at the Serie A Sicilian derby between Catania and Palermo on Friday night.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) held an emergency meeting, and extraordinary commissioner Luca Pancalli then announced an immediate suspension of all football in Italy. "I have demanded a stop to all activity of football in Italy," Pancalli said in a statement. "Enough is enough. I cannot find the words to describe a 38-year-old man who lost his life in such a way. This is not sport."

Speaking at a hastily-arranged press conference in Rome, Pancalli said the suspension would remain in place indefinitely. "The football tournaments will remain suspended until we solve the violence in our football," he said. "It's unacceptable that such incidents happen in a country like Italy."

"All the football authorities I spoke to immediately agreed that we had to stop everything. Words aren’t enough any more. Right now I am astonished by what has happened and this is completely unacceptable," Pancalli added.

A meeting set for Monday between political figures, including Prime Minister Romano Prodi and Minister for Sport Giovanna Melandri, and the football hierarchy has been brought forward to Sunday. It’s reported that the meeting will decree the rest of the season be played behind closed doors after a two-week suspension.

The derby between the two Southern rivals, eventually won 2-1 by Palermo, had been interrupted after 57 minutes due to crowd trouble when smoke floated on to the pitch. Tear gas, used by police to break up the fighting outside the Stadio Angelo Massimino, drifted onto the field.

The two teams left the pitch for the dressing rooms, with the game suspended for nearly 30 minutes. While play resumed and the final whistle sanctioned Palermo's victory, the problems intensified outside the stadium.

The Palermo fans and the entire squad were kept inside the stadium for several hours after the final whistle, as Catania supporters continued to clash with the police. According to reports, 38-year old officer Filippo Raciti was killed when his car was struck by a small home-made bomb. He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries.

Around a hundred people were treated for injuries, while dozens with lesser injuries were taken to local hospitals. Another police officer is also believed to be in a critical condition.

The Catania prosecutor's office has announced a full investigation into the incident.

Police confirmed there were 22 arrests made so far, around half of them are under-age. It is believed that none of them are linked directly with the death of Mr Raciti.

The dynamics of the incidents are not clear, but it seems as if visiting Palermo supporters arrived in the second half because their bus was lost on the way to Catania.

The FIGC quickly declared that all the weekend's matches were suspended, then clarified that the suspension was "indefinite". Gigi Riva, coach for Italy's national team, said the suspension also applied to the national team. The World Champions were scheduled to play an international friendly match with Romania in Siena on Wednesday.

The under-21's game against Belgium in Chieti on Tuesday has also been cancelled.

The President of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), Gianni Petrucci, backed the FIGC's decision to suspend all football activity, and Prime Minister Romano Prodi issued a statement condemning the violence. "After the serious incidents that occurred in Catania, my first thought is for the people that have been affected and for their families," he said. "I feel a duty to say that we need a strong and clear signal to avoid the degeneration of this sport which we are seeing more dramatically and more often."

New UEFA President Michel Platini has assured he’ll work alongside the FIGC to solve the growing problems of violence at football matches around Europe. "Violence of any sort is unacceptable and it has absolutely no place in the game of football - we do not condone it, we must not accept it and we must act to eradicate it. That is why today UEFA offers its whole-hearted support for the actions taken by the FIGC's extraordinary commissioner, Luca Pancalli, to indefinitely suspend all international and domestic matches until further notice."

Catania director Pietro Lo Monaco broke the news of the policeman’s death inside the stadium and was visibly shaken as he announced he would leave football. "I've heard that a policeman has died," he said. "To speak of football right now seems useless. For me this is the end. I will leave the football world. I don't recognise myself in this world anymore. I have loved football intensely but after this right now it seems absurd."

Palermo coach Francesco Guidolin added, "I am extremely disappointed. Football cannot last for much longer like this."

The game had already been given an early evening slot on Friday because of fears over public safety. It was set to be played on Sunday, but Catania’s police commissioner Michele Capomacchia asked for it to be moved because the game clashed with the city’s celebration of patron saint Sant’Agata.

The festival usually sees over 100,000 people gather in the streets and the derby is considered a high-risk event by police. The city’s mayor had also highlighted that it would have been inconceivable to host both events on the same day.

This tragic incident comes just a week after Ermanno Licursi, director of Calabrian amateur side Sanmartinese, was killed in a fight with opposition players after the final whistle of a Serie D game against Cancellese. It emerged he had been kicked in the head and died from a brain haemorrhage.

In the aftermath of that incident, Pancalli said the FIGC would crack down on violence at football matches in Italy. "We are on high alert. To defend referees and the image of football, I am ready to take drastic measures," he said in a statement on January 29. "I hope that with the contribution of everyone - officials, coaches and players on the pitch and also the true fans and football-lovers in the stadiums - we can restore a climate of sportsmanship and respect that will avoid a stop to the leagues."

Prior to Friday's 6pm (local time) kick-off, a minute's silence had been held following that death last week.

The lower Leagues were suspended and this latest shameful scenario has pushed the FIGC to take similar action with all football in Italy.

This is not the first time that Catania have been involved in crowd trouble this season. They were handed a two-match ban on their home games, ordered to be played behind closed doors earlier this season, after two incidents of crowd trouble in the space of a week in Sicilian derbies against Palermo (the first meeting) and Messina in September 2006.

The incidents will put a large dent in Italy’s hopes of hosting the 2012 European Championships, where they are short listed along with joint bids from Croatia-Hungary and Poland-Ukraine. When Pancalli was asked about the bid he said, "At this moment I'm not thinking about it, but should we lose our Euro 2012 bid because of this situation, we would deserve to lose it." UEFA will announce the hosts in April.

The last time Serie A ground to a halt over fan violence was on February 5, 1995, when Genoa supporter Vincenzo Spagnolo was stabbed to death ahead of a match against Milan.


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Magistrates explain calcio chaos

The magistrate of Catania – the scene of the tragic riots – explains why suspending the games is a victory for the hooligans and how they keep re-offending.

The Federation immediately suspended all football activity in Italy after a police officer was killed in the Sicilian derby riots outside the Stadio Angelo Massimino on Friday.

However, the magistrate of Catania has gone against these plans, suggesting it was an error to call off even one week of games, let alone an entire campaign.

"This is a mistake, because it means that sport is held hostage by a band of delinquents," said magistrate Renato Papa, whose jurisdiction is the city where Friday night’s fatal riots were held.

"The risk is that we will end up giving a stronger voice to those few criminal elements, who will then hold control over the vast majority of peaceful fans who go to the stadium."

Once again, the Italians are looking to England for a way out, recalling how their hooligan problem was stamped down in the 1980s following the Heysel disaster.

"The hooligans were defeated thanks to radical intervention, in other words arrests that meant certain prison time and the confiscation of passports."

The Legge Pisanu demanded all clubs and arenas ensure CCTV footage, numbered and named tickets, stewards paid for by the sides to police the fans and adequate turnstiles, but so far very few stadiums fit the bill.

Magistrate Papa suggests that he has no power to lock up the vandals even when they are put in custody.

"The Italian laws are inadequate when it comes to football-related violence, because there is no deterrent.

"Overall 22 Catania fans have been arrested thanks to regulations allowing video and photographic evidence, but the law says that if they have no previous convictions, they’ll be released again immediately. Even if they do have a record, it’ll still result in a suspended sentence."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Matarrese: Don't panic

Lega Calcio chief Antonio Matarrese has warned against a snap decision in the wake of the Sicilian riots.

All football activity in the peninsula was suspended with immediate effect after a police officer was killed in a battle with Catania fans on Friday evening, but it’s rumoured that if the campaign does resume, it will be behind closed doors for two weeks - or even for the rest of the season.

"This pause for thought has been very useful and I shared FIGC Commissioner Luca Pancalli’s important decision. I made the same choice in 1995 when Vincenzo Spagnolo was killed before Genoa-Milan," said Matarrese, who was head of the Federation the last time calcio was halted.

"But we mustn’t throw the baby out with the bath water. I cannot imagine a country that bends down to accommodate criminals. We can’t show such weakness.

"I don’t appreciate those who say this season should end here, or that we should play in empty stadiums. It would mean destroying an immense and gratifying sport. Everyone should take the opportunity to calm down and stop panicking."

The Lega Calcio was already engaged in a battle with the FIGC to elect the next President of the Federation and Matarrese took this chance to push for a place at the meeting with Government officials set for this afternoon.

"I ask Commissioner Pancalli to remember that we, the motor behind Italian football, cannot sit inert while decisions are made for us. We want to be part of the process and contribute to the choices made."

Nonetheless, the representative of the ‘union’ of Serie A and B clubs did confess that the Legge Pisanu recommendations have not been implemented – such as CCTV networks, club-organised stewards and security checks.

"I agree that perhaps we didn’t entirely respect the new laws due to a series of issues, such as the lack of funds from the local councils. We realise that we have to implement these rulings in full. At this point, though, we are starting to understand that our financial resources are not enough to cover these costs."

Matarrese also pointed the finger at the constant media debate over refereeing errors and rivalry that further intensified the hooligan element in stadiums.

"We recognise we have made stupid mistakes and some Presidents used the wrong tone in their comments that further inflamed popular feeling around the teams. I feel ashamed about that. But now to throw away everything good about this sport strikes me as irresponsible. Stadiums cannot be closed, as football must win back its role at the centre of this country."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Peruzzi: We're all to blame

Angelo Peruzzi and Tommaso Rocchi agree that many elements have come together to cause the upswing in violent behaviour in Italian stadiums.

"I never thought, now that I’m near the end of my career, that I would witness such a tragic epilogue," said the Lazio goalkeeper.

On Friday evening the FIGC ordered the immediate suspension of all football activities in Italy after a police officer was killed when Catania fans rioted outside the Stadio Angelo Massimino.

"We are all guilty, starting from the players who often with our attitude on the pitch or comments off it set a bad example of sporting behaviour.

"The media are to blame for trying to create a buzz around a game by increasing the tension and giving meetings a significance they do not have. The directors and clubs are at fault for tollerating and even fomenting all of this," continued Peruzzi.

"The fans are guilty, those who fire up hatred and go to the stadium prepared for warfare. Those who allowed politics to enter the arena. We hope that the actions taken by FIGC Commissioner Luca Pancalli can lead us to definitive solutions.

"As for the players, we must give our own contribution to ensure football returns to being a wonderful game and a moment of joy, not a way to release pent-up stress created during the week."

The decision to halt the Championship for at least a week – possibly more and potentially playing the rest of the season behind closed doors – found Lazio teammate Rocchi in agreement.

"The Catania riot forces the good side of football to pay the price, from the directors who put their heart and soul into this sport, to the players who try to transmit their passion, to the fans who wait every Sunday to experience something unique. It’s important now to follow England’s example in inflicting severe penalties on hooligans."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Catania Ultras "ambushed" cops

Catania director Pietro Lo Monaco has revealed more disturbing details of the riot that killed a police officer. "It was an ambush."

Trouble broke out when the Palermo fans arrived at the Stadio Massimino 55 minutes into Friday night’s match.

The supporters and the police escort were attacked by local Ultras and 38-year-old Chief Inspector Filippo Raciti was killed when a homemade bomb exploded nearby and he was allegedly also struck in the chest by a rock.

The combination of the two events saw him unable to breathe and he was declared dead in hospital. Another 100 people were injured in the riots that carried on after the final whistle.

Late last night over 250 policemen staged raids on several organised Catania fan clubs in the city.

"We’ve had three years of our hard work taken away," said director Lo Monaco, who helped the club to its first promotion in 20 years.

"I wouldn’t even say that this was a moment of insanity, because what happened looks to be a premeditated attack. They staged an ambush on the police and Palermo fans."

This is not the first time that Catania have been involved in crowd trouble, as this season they had already received a two-match ban behind closed doors after fighting broke out with Messina and Palermo supporters in the space of a week.

"Something is wrong, quite beyond this particular incident. There are areas of the stadium that have become the Ultra territory, where rules no longer apply and you cannot enter."

Lo Monaco urged for a change to the current laws, as at the moment hooligans are released almost immediately, but clubs are forced to pay large fines for crowd trouble.

"The whole issue of ‘responsibility’ of the clubs is incorrect and we cannot carry on like this. When someone breaks the law, he has to be locked behind bars and the key thrown away."

The FIGC has ordered the immediate suspension of all football activity in Italy, but the Catania representative remains pessimistic over what this will achieve.

"I know full well that now we’ll spent 10 days at round table committees, making programmes, symposiums and then we will forget all about Raciti. It’ll start again, business as usual."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Season behind closed doors?

It’s reported that the meeting between the Government and football authorities will decree the rest of the season be played behind closed doors.

"Nothing is to be excluded at this point," commented Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) President Gianni Petrucci.

Following the riots in Catania on Friday evening, which resulted in the death of 38-year-old Chief Inspector Filippo Raciti, FIGC Commissioner Luca Pancalli ordered the immediate suspension of all football activity in Italy until further notice.

A meeting has been set up for Sunday between members of the Government, including Prime Minister Romano Prodi, and the sports authorities to discuss what the next step will be.

According to rumours from within the two camps, the season will be halted for two weeks and when it resumes, it will be behind closed doors for the rest of the campaign.

This will give the clubs and local councils the necessary time to complete renovation work that should already have brought the stadiums up to code under the Legge Pisanu ruling.

The Legge Pisanu demanded all clubs and arenas ensure CCTV footage, numbered and named tickets, stewards paid for by the sides to police the fans and adequate turnstiles, but so far very few stadiums fit the bill.

Source: C4 Football Italia

Serie C call for long-term hiatus

Italian football should be suspended for two years to put an end to the violence, insists Serie C Lega Calcio President Mario Macalli.

"A week won’t make any difference. We have to stop for a year or two," announced the representative of the Third Division clubs.

While FIGC Commissioner Luca Pancalli has called an indefinite halt to football in Italy, most believe normal service will resume within a fortnight after rioting outside Catania-Palermo cost 38-year-old Chief Inspector Filippo Raciti his life.

"The only solution is to stay out of sport until necessary, even if that means two years, because this is no longer football," slammed Macalli.

"Those charlatans must learn to keep quiet for once. Last week a man in the amateur Leagues was beaten to death, has that been forgotten already? Have you never seen the youth team games in the mornings? There are commentators out there who haven’t been to a match in 30 years and are still expressing their opinions on it.

"Pancalli did very well to suspend the sport, but seven days won’t achieve anything. There simply aren’t the conditions allowing us to continue our work. The solution has to be found within the Government, as when they pass a law, they must then force it to be respected."

The Legge Pisanu has failed to solve the hooligan problem in the peninsula, but Macalli warns the real issue is the failure to keep known offenders under lock and key.

"The English system for clamping down on hooligans worked because they took it seriously. When someone makes a mistake there, they pay the price, but in Italy nobody ever pays. The Curva is a law unto itself and for too long the media has aided, abetted and even applauded the use of flares and insulting banners."

As President of the Serie C Lega Calcio, Macalli pointed out the massive discrepancy between the top two tiers and the rest of the sport, as a halt to the season would cost clubs in television rights revenue.

"Football is something else, it’s 90 clubs in Serie C, several thousand in the Amateur Leagues, not just 20 sides. We couldn’t care less about television rights. The media always talk about those Presidents who reap the profits, not of those who pour cash in out of sheer passion.

"If Alessandro Del Piero has an ingrown toenail, it’s front page news, but a President who puts in £2m from his own pocket every season isn’t of interest to the papers. This isn’t what football is about."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Atalanta refuse to pay for security

The debate is now raging between clubs and the Government over who must fit the bill for policing the fans.

The unions have warned they won’t send thousands of police officers to stadiums every weekend until the Legge Pisanu recommendations are implemented following the death of 38-year-old Chief Inspector Filippo Raciti at the hands of Catania Ultra’ last night.

"The clubs are not responsible. If the police were to pull out of security in games, then many clubs would go bankrupt," insisted Atalanta President Ivan Ruggeri.

"Let’s not forget that around 80 per cent of the money generated by football goes into the State coffers, so they have a responsibility to help us. If not, then it’s best to close the stadiums forever."

The FIGC has ordered an immediate cessation of all football activity in Italy until further notice, but again Ruggeri disagrees with this decision.

"Taking a break for a week to remember the victim of violence is right, but that’s enough. What would we achieve by not playing the games?"

Another suggested option is to play all the remaining fixtures this season behind closed doors, giving the Government, clubs and police time to complete the restructuring work on stadiums that should have already been done according to the Legge Pisanu rulings.

However, an academic who has studied the Ultra’ fan culture in Italy insists they should harness the positive aspects of these organisations rather than eradicate them entirely.

"This is one of the worst days of my life, but those images have nothing to do with the history, roots, philosophy and mentality of the Ultras," noted Vincenzo Abbatantuono, author of the book ‘Stories of adolescent Ultras.’

"The violence that eventually reaches the murder in Catania involves very young men without a political conscience. It’s more similar to the spontaneous urban riots seen in the French suburbs.

"Between the Calciopoli scandal, insistence on analysing every detail of the games and exasperating debates on television, it all acts as fuel to the fire of impressionable minds. It was incredible yesterday to see while a man lay dying there were two club directors blaming each other for the rioting."

The Ultra’ are highly organised in Italy, but Abbatantuono believes they can be brought further into club affairs rather than shut out.

"We need to increase the dialogue that already exists and bring them into the loop, because trying to isolate the bad apples with repressive police tactics will not work. Dialogue is the only path to discovering the positive aspects of these movements, such as their charity work."

He concluded with an appeal to the Ultra’ to work alongside the clubs and security forces to set up the English-style steward systems.

"We have to ask ourselves if we want to continue enjoying this sport and battling against those corrupt men who only think of making money. It’s a choice between life and suicide. To live, we must start showing the best part of our nature and lay down our arms."

Source: C4 Football Italia

News Report

Al Jazerra's news report following the violence in Sicily on Friday night which resulted in the death of a 38-year old police officer and the suspension of all football in Italy.

Source: AlJazeera News

Marino disowns Catania thugs

Catania coach Pasquale Marino believes the ‘fans’ who attacked Palermo supporters and police last night had no interest in football.

"The Tifosi in Catania are passionate, but in one night the image of an entire city has been destroyed," said the tactician after a policeman was killed in Friday’s rioting.

The problems occurred when visiting Palermo fans arrived at the Stadio Massimino, as they and their police escort were ambushed by waiting Catania Ultra’.

"They weren’t fans, they were criminals, pure and simple. If you wait for the Palermo supporters outside the stadium, it means you have no interest in the football. We knew there was trouble outside, but we thought it was the usual scuffles, so we couldn’t imagine the extent of the tragedy unfolding."

Of the 15 arrests after last night’s rioting – none of whom are believed to be linked with the death of 38-year-old Chief Inspector Filippo Raciti – around half are under-age.

"What happened has its roots deep in the past,” explained Marino. “There are kids who already feel hatred for the fans of another city. I want to tell them to think now about the children of Raciti who have been left without a father."

The events in Catania have shocked the club to the core, as both President Antonio Pulvirenti and director Pietro Lo Monaco have hinted they’ll walk out.

"Ours is a young club trying to find its space in the top ranks of football, but when an event like this happens, it destroys everything. Our President and director are a step away from handing in their resignation."

However, the coach who has taken newly promoted Catania to fifth place insists that moment will pass.

"We’re not going to give in the fight. I am convinced that, once the bitterness has passed, we will battle this criminality. Locking down the stadium wouldn’t have helped, though, as the fans would’ve clashed with the police outside anyway."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Zamparini: Show must go on

Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini insists the suspension of football in Italy won’t solve anything.

"The decision to halt the Championships was needed out of respect to a man who lost his life, but it won’t solve anything," said the Rosanero chief.

The FIGC ordered the "indefinite" suspension of all matches in the peninsula after 38-year-old Chief Inspector Filippo Raciti was killed during riots that followed Catania-Palermo last night.

"While there is impunity for delinquents in this country, we’ll get nowhere. What I expect to see now are the usual empty words, preaching and not much action. A decade ago Margaret Thatcher destroyed the hooligans in England, now we have to see if the Government and authorities have the real desire to do the same."

While Footballers’ Association (AIC) President Sergio Campana has urged a year-long halt to football in Italy, Zamparini insists the problem is not so widespread.

"You don’t need police inside the stadiums. It’s not a problem with football, but with society. These delinquents can wait outside the arena, get into fights, are arrested and released again the day after. We’ll never achieve anything with that scenario."

The Legge Pisanu was meant to clamp down on the Ultra’, but instead security checks have been lax, offenders released almost immediately and stadiums not yet brought up to the European standards.

"Stopping all of football won’t solve the problem. We just need to identify the delinquents, put them in prison and keep them there," continued Zamparini.

"It’s absurd that someone can be arrested for such serious offences and then released the next day. I do not agree with those who say football is at an end. It’s a society that allows people to charge at the police and throw bottles when they are just trying to do their duty."

Zamparini also joined the chorus of figures calling for the implementation of hard English-style rules against hooligans.

"These were not fans, they were criminals that in countries like England are arrested and severely punished. Italians and their laissez-faire attitude allow this sort of thing to happen."

However, he protested at the use of stewards inside the ground – paid for and organised by the clubs – to control the supporters.

"It’s pointless people saying the clubs have to resolve the problem. What are we supposed to do? All we can do is make appeals, but it’s not enough, you need strict laws. Suspending games isn’t the solution, we have to find those responsible and ensure they see justice."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Platini stands by Italian Federation

New UEFA President Michel Platini has assured he’ll work alongside the FIGC to solve the growing problems of fan violence.

"First of all I make my personal condolences to the family of Chief Inspector Filippo Raciti, who lost his life last night," said Platini.

"Violence is totally unacceptable and has no right to exist within the football world. We condemn it, will not accept it and intend to tear it out of the sport.

"With this also in mind, we offer our full support to the actions taken by FIGC Extraordinary Commissioner Luca Pancalli, who suspended all the national Championships and the international games."

Pancalli ordered the "indefinite" suspension as a result of last night’s rioting the marred Palermo’s 2-1 win in Catania.

It’s feared this will put a large dent in Italy’s hopes of hosting the Euro 2012 tournament, where they are short listed along with Croatia-Hungary and Poland-Ukraine.

"It’s too early to say. But if they did take Euro 2012 away from us, it would be deserved," said Pancalli when asked about the bid.

However, Platini’s statement took the specific pressure off the Azzurri ahead of the April 18 deadline for choosing the hosts.

"The death of a Paris Saint-Germain fan, the riots caused by Feyenoord supporters in Nancy, these all raise our concerns over the violence that is once again insinuating itself in football," continued Platini.

"We must work together with the football authorities and Italian Government to support this sport and find a solution to this spiral of violence that is contaminating Europe."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Spinelli follows English example

Livorno President Aldo Spinelli believes Italy should follow England’s 1980s example in cracking down on hooligans.

"I think that the whole industry undoubtedly has to change. We must have humility and follow the English model. If they managed to solve the problems in England, where they had the worst hooligans in the world, then we have to copy their system step by step."

While clubs are hesitant to adopt the use of stewards and police do not have the jurisdiction to hold arrested troublemakers for more than a few days, another element of England’s post-Heysel revolution was the five-year ban from European competition.

"That also forced the clubs not to be so dependent on television rights, so it’s another element of the system we must adopt," added the Livorno patron.

However, he expressed pessimism over FIGC Chief Luca Pancalli’s decision to stop football in Italy "indefinitely."

"This is a very delicate matter and it was right to stop this weekend, but now we have to look to the future. You cannot just halt such an important industry as football. There were millions of people who were ready and made plans to go to the games."

Spinelli has first hand experience of the violence, as he was President of Genoa when fan Vincenzo Spagnolo was stabbed to death by Milan supporters in February 1995 – the last time the Leagues were suspended.

"I don’t know how the two incidents were related, if at all. Unfortunately, the Sicilian derby hasn’t been played in Serie A for over 30 years and we know their rivalry goes beyond football. Decisions need to be made, although by someone far higher up the ranking than me."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Donadoni supports ban

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni supports the decision to call off the friendly international with Romania after the Catania riots.

The suspension of all football in the peninsula, including next Wednesday’s international match, was ordered after a police officer was killed by a home-made bomb thrown by fans outside the Stadio Angelo Massimino.

"It’s not up to me to give advice, but the choices that were made after Friday night’s events were the opportune decisions," said Donadoni.

Donadoni will no longer have this opportunity to experiment ahead of the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland on March 28.

"I share these choices and don’t believe that the Nazionale can be considered a separate case. It wasn’t right for football to continue, even if egotistically I must admit it takes away some very important chances for me.

"When faced with certain incidents, you can’t even stop and think, the suspension was inevitable. Now we must ensure this proves to be a decisive turn of events and make a concrete difference."

Donadoni’s old club, Milan, was involved the last time Italian football stopped to take stock of fan violence, when Vincenzo Spagnolo was stabbed to death before a match at Genoa in February 1995.

"We are talking about 12 years ago, yet here we are still talking about these things," continued the Azzurri boss.

"Perhaps not enough has been done in the intervening decade, as some incredible scenes are there for all to see. At the end of the day, we are all far too good at preaching for change, but every time fail to implement the necessary laws. We have wasted a lot of time and it cannot happen again."

Meanwhile, the dynamics of the rioting are becoming clear. Chief Inspector Filippo Raciti died as a result of inhaling the noxious fumes from a homemade bomb – perhaps teargas – that exploded in the vicinity of his vehicle when the Catania fans tried to attack the Palermo supporters who arrived at the Stadio Massimino for the second half.

"We were escorting a group of Palermo fans to the Massimino when suddenly we were ambushed by the Catania Ultra’," revealed 24-year-old police officer Salvatore Renda from his hospital bed.

"They threw everything at us. It was definitely an organised ambush, like guerrilla warfare. All of a sudden you couldn’t breathe, I felt ill and lost consciousness.

"In hospital I was told of Raciti’s death. It’s a tragedy, everyone respected him and I know his wife too. It’s ridiculous to lose your life for a football game."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Pancalli: 'Suspension only option'

Italian Football Federation Commissioner Luca Pancalli has been given extra time to work on crowd violence and pointed out there won’t be any quick-fix solutions.

"Football needs all its elements to come together and make strong headway so that events like this cannot be repeated. My decision may have upset some, and you could say it was wrong, but morally I had no other choice," said Pancalli.

He ordered the immediate suspension of all football activity in Italy – including Serie A, B and upcoming international friendlies against Romania and Belgium – following the death of a police officer in last night’s Sicilian derby riots.

Pancalli was only meant to be a temporary figure at the head of the FIGC, placed there after Guido Rossi resigned due to a conflict of interests when he took over Telecom Italia, but this weekend the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) confirmed his tenure had been extended.

"I would’ve preferred not to require this show of faith in my regard," he added. "I will do my duty responsibly until the positive effects come through."

At the moment it is unclear when the Championships will resume in Italy, as Pancalli ordered an "indefinite" suspension while new guidelines and firm action are taken against the Ultra’.

A meeting between Government officials, including Prime Minister Romano Prodi and Minister for Sport Giovanna Melandri, will take place on Sunday.

"We are giving a strong signal by stopping, but now we need the Government’s help. These are moments in which we risk slipping into rhetorical speech, but nobody has the solution to this in their pockets," continued Pancalli.

"When someone dies, you can’t put the responsibility only on to football’s shoulders. We did what we could, but sport can only reach a certain threshold and the Government must take on the rest. Whoever has an idea should come forward."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Reaction

All the reaction since Friday's violence (new interviews are added at the bottom)...

Palermo coach Francesco Guidolin
Palermo coach Francesco Guidolin blamed Catania fans for the ‘war zone’ atmosphere and warned football "can’t carry on like this" in his reaction straight after the match.

"We won the match on the pitch – or rather both matches, seeing as there was a 30-minute gap – but we cannot enjoy this victory. Football cannot last for much longer like this. There will be no joy in it, there’s no point."

"I don’t know who started it, but I did see what happened since we arrived in Catania," explained a clearly shaken Guidolin. "We were escorted to and from the hotel for two days by 50 police officers, as if we were in a war zone. I was in the team bus that was pelted with eggs, vegetables and rocks. It’s not possible for this uncivilised treatment in the 21st Century."

"We all have to try to calm down the situation around football now. The press and coaches must steer away from the banality of their post-match comments that only serve to stir up violence and ill-feeling."

Taking the first step, Guidolin admitted that both Palermo’s goals in the 2-1 win should probably have been disallowed. "I hold up my hands – we were aided by two incidents that went our way, just as last week we were damaged by moments going against us. I have never criticised the referee and never will."


Catania President Antonio Pulvirenti
In reaction to the violence inside the Stadio Massimino, Catania President Antonio Pulvirenti blamed Palermo fans for the riots.

"Clearly the incidents were provoked by the Palermo fans when they entered the stadium. Before then, nothing had happened, but they started causing trouble and as the images show threw tear gas on to the pitch," insisted Pulvirenti.

Pulvirent was unaware a police officer was killed outside and that over a 100 were injured.

"They were well-organised and came here in order to cause trouble. We feel penalised and will appeal against the result so that the match will be considered void. We’ve been punished for less in the past and demand the same treatment.

"I was on the field and, if you look carefully, the section where the tear gas came from only had Palermo fans in there. The officials saw what happened and will take action."

Pulvirenti continued to back his fans. "I will not put any blame on to the Catania supporters. I didn’t see them do anything wrong."

The Catania President did not help calm the situation outside with his post-match comments on the football itself. "The first goal was offside and the second had a handling offence, so the referee dominated the game on a very bad day at the office. We played against 12 men today and lost because we were playing against the referee."


Catania director Pietro Lo Monaco
Catania director Pietro Lo Monaco broke the news of the policeman’s death and was visibly shaken. "We’ve been told by our security services from the hospital that a police officer has died as a result of the crowd trouble.

"I have intensely loved football my whole life and I no longer recognise myself in this sport. With this news, I will leave football, it’s not for me any more. This isn’t football, this isn’t football, this isn’t football."


AIC President Sergio Campana
The Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC) has urged the suspension of Italian football Leagues for a whole year after the latest tragic incidents.

"Football should stop for a year to reflect on all the evil that comes from it. The culture that surrounds our sport is wrong and has to be revolutionised. We need patience for that to happen and maybe passing on to another generation," said AIC President Sergio Campana.

"I think that faced with these events, football should stop for a year and see if we can change our whole approach to sport," continued Campana.

"We have for some time been pointing out that there are weekly attacks on players because they lose a game. This means the very culture of sport in this country is wrong. Right when football is trying to rediscover its credibility after Calciopoli, this sort of thing leaves us dumbfounded."


Sports Minister Giovanna Melandri
"The death of a policeman in Catania and the many injuries as a result of this riot is a disturbing turn of events that calls for drastic measures," said Minister for Sport Giovanna Melandri.

"The Government will no longer tolerate the need for thousands of police officers in every match to ensure the safety of its citizens. Along with the Home Office Minister Giuliano Amato, we consider the suspension of the next round of games to be an opportune decision by the FIGC.

"The Government and the world of sport must come together now to make sure the Leagues begin again in a totally different way."


Catania President Antonio Pulvirenti
Catania President Antonio Pulvirenti has suggested ending his tenure after he learned that their fans caused the death of a police officer. "Finding out about this death was incredible," said the patron who had bitterly criticised the referee and blamed Palermo fans for the trouble straight after the 2-1 defeat last night.

"In the press room I was commenting on the game and the result, while outside all this was happening."

In response to the tragedy, the FIGC has ordered a halt to all football in Italy "indefinitely". "There shouldn’t be football in Catania, because it’s all turned to dust by actions like this. A man died and it’s meaningless to talk about football."

"I am enormously upset at this and at this moment in time I intend to call it quits. It cannot be an immediate move purely for administrative reasons, but from tonight this sport no longer fits with me."


Club websites
Catania closed down their official website, leaving only a message on the home page. "We apologise, but it seems truly absurd to be writing about football at this time. Our thoughts are exclusively with the family of Chief Inspector Raciti, who lost his life trying to safeguard the public during a match."

Most of the other clubs around Italy have posted messages of condolence and support on their websites for the course of action taken by the Federation.

"Massimo Moratti and all of F.C. Internazionale embrace the family, friends and colleagues of Filippo Raciti and totally share the FIGC’s decision to stop the Championship," read the Inter site.

"All of A.C. Milan express their condolences in the most heartfelt and sincere way to the family of Chief Inspector Filippo Raciti, who died during the guerrilla warfare that broke out for the match between Catania and Palermo."

Juventus had this note on their website; "The sad news from Catania has led the comissioner of the Italian Football Federation, Luca Pancalli, to suspend all footballing activity across Italy. For this reason, Juventus will not be playing their game against Rimini tomorrow. This incident - announced Juventus chairman Giovanni Cobolli Gigli - calls for a time of serious reflection and we must act decisively to see that football returns to the hands of lovers of sport. Juventus joins in mourning for the death of Inspector Raciti and gives its full support for the decision of Commisioner Pancalli to suspend all championship games."


Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini
Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini said the Sicilian derby riots were "a defeat for football."

"I consider those who go to the stadium to have fights to be delinquents and nothing more," noted Zamparini. "I have said since the moment I arrived at Palermo that if there were any serious incidents inside the stadium, I would immediately leave the club.

"Nobody won tonight. It was a defeat for football and for all of us. At this moment, my heart goes out to the family of that poor man."

The Palermo fans and the entire squad was kept inside the Stadio Massimino for several hours after the final whistle, as Catania supporters continued to clash with the police. "We weren’t told anything, we just had to stay in the locker room and wait for news," explained coach Francesco Guidolin.

"If we don’t get it into our heads that football is a sport, then we really won’t have room to breathe. What happened here offends sport and a beautiful, civilised city like Catania."


Lega Calcio President Antonio Matarrese
Italian Football League (Lega Calcio) President Antonio Matarrese led the chorus of approval for the decision to halt football in Italy following the death of a police officer on Friday. "For all of us it is a terrible moment, as we come together to cry for the death of this young agent," said Matarrese.

"Never more so than now, football must stop and take a good long look at itself. We have to reflect on what the future holds,” added Matarrese.


Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi
Prime Minister Romano Prodi has asked for a strong signal that football-related violence will not be tolerated. "After the incredibly serious incidents that took place in Catania, our first thoughts go to those who were caught up in it and to their families," said Prime Minister Prodi.

"But straight after that I feel it my duty to say we need a strong and clear signal to avoid the degeneration of sport, which unfortunately we are forced to witness with increasing intensity."

Political parties from all sides are now calling for an English-style system of policing the Ultra’ in a bid to eradicate the growing hooliganism problem in Italy. New laws had already been introduced this season, but proved to be ineffective.


Mayor of Catania Umberto Scapagnini
"What has happened is monstrous. I am without words. This is absurd, unthinkable and totally unacceptable," noted Mayor of Catania Umberto Scapagnini.


Italian President Giorgio Napolitano
The President of the Republic Giorgio Napolitano released a statement on the shameful incidents. "Struck by the severity of the rioting and the astonishing number of injured among the police and citizens, President of the Republic Giorgio Napolitano reaffirms that the condemnation for the dramatic rise in football-related violence must be accompanied by responsible choices and behaviour.

"We cannot have the values of sport and the civil conscience of the country sullied in this way."


Ministry of Sport undersecretary Giovanni Lolli
The increased number of injuries among police at matches is because the existing anti-violence laws are "not being upheld," claims a Government Minister.

The issue of football-related violence was meant to have been addressed last year with the introduction of the so-called Legge Pisanu. Criticised as ‘Draconian’ by many of the leading Ultra’, it required CCTV inside every stadium, the presence of stewards to control supporters and named tickets for specific seats.

However, so far this season the number of injuries among fans may have dropped dramatically, but only because of the rise in casualties among the police. "There were 142 injured police officers in football-related violence last season, compared to 202 this year – an increase of 42 per cent," explained undersecretary for the Ministry of Sport Giovanni Lolli.

"The measures set out by the previous Government were effective, but they weren’t implemented. In order to follow England’s example with the hooligan problem, we would need a different penal system."

"First of all, we must take repressive measures against these delinquents and completely transform our stadiums," continued Lolli.

"Finally, the reconstruction of our sporting culture, which our country lacks to such a degree that we must start from school level."


Interior Minister Giuliano Amato
The Home Office has blamed the clubs and football authorities for a "laissez-faire attitude" to controlling the Ultra’. "There has been too much of a laissez-faire attitude and an unacceptable indulgence. My men are risking their lives here and in these conditions I won’t send them to games," said Home Office Minister Giuliano Amato.

The Legge Pisanu was supposed to clamp down on violence in Italian football, but over a year on from the law’s inception, only a handful of stadiums are up to code.

CCTV systems are not in place, named tickets aren’t checked regularly and the clubs have not provided enough stewards to police the fans in the Curva.

"This situation can be tracked back to an increased number of ‘at risk’ games, the persistent conflict between violent factions of some fanbases and the desperate need to complete restructuring work on some stadiums. In the case of the latter, police are called in to make up for those weaknesses."

The main problem in this case appears to be the on-going debate over who is responsible for the upkeep of the stadiums. In Italy, the arenas are owned and run by the local council, but rented out to clubs for the matches. The Legge Pisanu hands the sides the responsibility of policing their own fans with specially paid stewards, but so far few have implemented the recommendations.

Also, the authorities have repeatedly allowed delays in the restructuring work for the stadiums.

"There was an under-estimation of how bad the situation was by accepting delays in bringing the arenas up to code," said Silp-Cgil union chief Claudio Giardullo.

"Above all, there was an indulgence when it came to the relationship between the clubs and their fans, a rapport that still needs to be examined. At the end of it all we, as usual, end up paying the price."

It has long been known that the Ultra’ wield a great deal of power with the clubs. Players often meet with the fans and attend the funerals of the leading figures in the hard-line faction of these supporters.

Last week Sicilian club Messina fired coach Bruno Giordano after a meeting between President Pietro Franza and the Ultra’ leaders.


FIGC Commissioner Luca Pancalli
FIGC Commissioner Luca Pancalli has been given extra time to work on crowd violence and pointed out there won’t be any quick-fix solutions. "Football needs all its elements to come together and make strong headway so that events like this cannot be repeated. My decision may have upset some, and you could say it was wrong, but morally I had no other choice," said Pancalli.

Pancalli was only meant to be a temporary figure at the head of the FIGC, placed there after Guido Rossi resigned due to a conflict of interests when he took over Telecom Italia, but on Saturday the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) confirmed his tenure had been extended.

"I would’ve preferred not to require this show of faith in my regard," he added. "I will do my duty responsibly until the positive effects come through."

"We are giving a strong signal by stopping, but now we need the Government’s help. These are moments in which we risk slipping into rhetorical speech, but nobody has the solution to this in their pockets," continued Pancalli. "When someone dies, you can’t put the responsibility only on to football’s shoulders. We did what we could, but sport can only reach a certain threshold and the Government must take on the rest. Whoever has an idea should come forward."


Italy coach Roberto Donadoni
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni supports the decision to call off the friendly match with Romania after the riots in Catania. "It’s not up to me to give advice, but the choices that were made after Friday night’s events were the opportune decisions," said Donadoni.

The coach will no longer have this opportunity to experiment ahead of the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland on March 28.

"I share these choices and don’t believe that the Nazionale can be considered a separate case. It wasn’t right for football to continue, even if egotistically I must admit it takes away some very important chances for me.

"When faced with certain incidents, you can’t even stop and think, the suspension was inevitable. Now we must ensure this proves to be a decisive turn of events and make a concrete difference."


Police officer Salvatore Renda
The dynamics of the rioting are becoming clear. Chief Inspector Filippo Raciti died as a result of inhaling the noxious fumes from a homemade bomb – perhaps teargas – that exploded in the vicinity of his vehicle when the Catania fans tried to attack the Palermo supporters who arrived at the Stadio Massimino for the second half.

"We were escorting a group of Palermo fans to the Massimino when suddenly we were ambushed by the Catania Ultra’," revealed 24-year-old police officer Salvatore Renda from his hospital bed.

"They threw everything at us. It was definitely an organised ambush, like guerrilla warfare. All of a sudden you couldn’t breathe, I felt ill and lost consciousness.

"In hospital I was told of Raciti’s death. It’s a tragedy, everyone respected him and I know his wife too. It’s ridiculous to lose your life for a football game."


UEFA President Michel Platini
New UEFA President Michel Platini has assured he’ll work alongside the FIGC to solve the growing problems of fan violence. "Firstly I extend my heartfelt personal condolences, together with those of the entire European football family, to the family of the police officer, Filippo Raciti, who lost his life yesterday,” said Platini.

"Violence of any sort is unacceptable and it has absolutely no place in the game of football - we do not condone it, we must not accept it and we must act to eradicate it. That is why today UEFA offers its whole-hearted support for the actions taken by the FIGC's extraordinary commissioner, Luca Pancalli, to indefinitely suspend all international and domestic matches until further notice.

"Following the death of a Paris Saint-Germain supporter last year and the rioting of Feyenoord fans in Nancy, this latest episode further deepens our concern about violence creeping back into the game,” continued the new UEFA President.

"We must now work together with the Italian football authorities and politicians in support of the Italian game, and find a solution to this spiral of violence that is plaguing European football," concluded Mr Platini.


Livorno President Aldo Spinelli
Livorno President Aldo Spinelli believes Italy should follow England’s 1980s example in cracking down on hooligans. "I think that the whole industry undoubtedly has to change. We must have humility and follow the English model. If they managed to solve the problems in England, where they had the worst hooligans in the world, then we have to copy their system step by step."

While clubs are hesitant to adopt the use of stewards and police do not have the jurisdiction to hold arrested troublemakers for more than a few days, another element of England’s post-Heysel revolution was the five-year ban from European competition.

"That also forced the clubs not to be so dependent on television rights, so it’s another element of the system we must adopt," added the Livorno patron.

However, he expressed pessimism over FIGC Chief Luca Pancalli’s decision to stop football in Italy. "This is a very delicate matter and it was right to stop this weekend, but now we have to look to the future. You cannot just halt such an important industry as football. There were millions of people who were ready and made plans to go to the games."

Spinelli has first hand experience of the violence, as he was President of Genoa when fan Vincenzo Spagnolo was stabbed to death by Milan supporters in February 1995 – the last time the Leagues were suspended. "I don’t know how the two incidents were related, if at all. Unfortunately, the Sicilian derby hasn’t been played in Serie A for over 30 years and we know their rivalry goes beyond football. Decisions need to be made, although by someone far higher up the ranking than me," concluded Spinelli.


Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini
Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini insists the suspension of football in Italy won’t solve anything. "The decision to halt the Championships was needed out of respect to a man who lost his life, but it won’t solve anything," said the Rosanero chief.

"While there is impunity for delinquents in this country, we’ll get nowhere. What I expect to see now are the usual empty words, preaching and not much action. A decade ago Margaret Thatcher destroyed the hooligans in England, now we have to see if the Government and authorities have the real desire to do the same.

"Stopping all of football won’t solve the problem. We just need to identify the delinquents, put them in prison and keep them there," continued Zamparini.

"It’s absurd that someone can be arrested for such serious offences and then released the next day. I do not agree with those who say football is at an end. It’s a society that allows people to charge at the police and throw bottles when they are just trying to do their duty."

The Palermo President also joined the chorus of figures calling for the implementation of hard English-style rules against hooligans. "These were not fans, they were criminals that in countries like England are arrested and severely punished. Italians and their laissez-faire attitude allow this sort of thing to happen."

However, he protested at the use of stewards inside the ground – paid for and organised by the clubs – to control the supporters. "It’s pointless people saying the clubs have to resolve the problem. What are we supposed to do? All we can do is make appeals, but it’s not enough, you need strict laws. Suspending games isn’t the solution, we have to find those responsible and ensure they see justice."


Catania coach Pasquale Marino
Catania coach Pasquale Marino believes the ‘fans’ who attacked Palermo supporters and police last night had no interest in football. "The Tifosi in Catania are passionate, but in one night the image of an entire city has been destroyed."

"They weren’t fans, they were criminals, pure and simple. If you wait for the Palermo supporters outside the stadium, it means you have no interest in the football. We knew there was trouble outside, but we thought it was the usual scuffles, so we couldn’t imagine the extent of the tragedy unfolding.

"What happened has its roots deep in the past,” explained Marino. “There are kids who already feel hatred for the fans of another city. I want to tell them to think now about the children of Raciti who have been left without a father.”


Serie C President Mario Macalli
Italian football should be suspended for two years to put an end to the violence, insists Serie C Lega Calcio President Mario Macalli. "A week won’t make any difference. We have to stop for a year or two," announced the representative of the Third Division clubs.

"The only solution is to stay out of sport until necessary, even if that means two years, because this is no longer football," slammed Macalli.

"Those charlatans must learn to keep quiet for once. Last week a man in the amateur Leagues was beaten to death, has that been forgotten already? Have you never seen the youth team games in the mornings? There are commentators out there who haven’t been to a match in 30 years and are still expressing their opinions on it.

"Pancalli did very well to suspend the sport, but seven days won’t achieve anything. There simply aren’t the conditions allowing us to continue our work. The solution has to be found within the Government, as when they pass a law, they must then force it to be respected.

"The English system for clamping down on hooligans worked because they took it seriously. When someone makes a mistake there, they pay the price, but in Italy nobody ever pays. The Curva is a law unto itself and for too long the media has aided, abetted and even applauded the use of flares and insulting banners."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Govt blames 'lazy' clubs

The Interior Minister has blamed the clubs and football authorities for a "laissez-faire attitude" to controlling the Ultra’.

"There has been too much of a laissez-faire attitude and an unacceptable indulgence. My men are risking their lives here and in these conditions I won’t send them to games," said Interior Minister Giuliano Amato.

The Legge Pisanu was supposed to clamp down on violence in Italian football, but over a year on from the law’s inception, only a handful of stadiums are up to code.

CCTV systems are not in place, named tickets aren’t checked regularly and the clubs have not provided enough stewards to police the fans in the Curva.

"This situation can be tracked back to an increased number of ‘at risk’ games, the persistent conflict between violent factions of some fanbases and the desperate need to complete restructuring work on some stadiums. In the case of the latter, police are called in to make up for those weaknesses."

The main problem in this case appears to be the on-going debate over who is responsible for the upkeep of the stadiums.

In Italy, the arenas are owned and run by the local council, but rented out to clubs for the matches. The Legge Pisanu hands the sides the responsibility of policing their own fans with specially paid stewards, but so far few have implemented the recommendations.

Also, the authorities have repeatedly allowed delays in the restructuring work for the stadiums.

"There was an under-estimation of how bad the situation was by accepting delays in bringing the arenas up to code," said Silp-Cgil union chief Claudio Giardullo.

"Above all, there was an indulgence when it came to the relationship between the clubs and their fans, a rapport that still needs to be examined. At the end of it all we, as usual, end up paying the price."

It has long been known that the Ultra’ wield a great deal of power with the clubs. Players often meet with the fans and attend the funerals of the leading figures in the hard-line faction of these supporters.

Last week Messina coach Bruno Giordano was fired after a meeting between President Pietro Franza and the Ultra’ leaders.

Source: C4 Football Italia

Laws 'not being upheld'

The increased number of injuries among police at matches is because the existing anti-violence laws are "not being upheld," claims a Government Minister.

The issue of football-related violence was meant to have been addressed last year with the introduction of the so-called Legge Pisanu.

Criticised as ‘Draconian’ by many of the leading Ultra’, it required CCTV inside every stadium, the presence of stewards to control supporters and named tickets for specific seats.

However, so far this season the number of injuries among fans may have dropped dramatically, but only because of the rise in casualties among the police.

"There were 142 injured police officers in football-related violence last season, compared to 202 this year – an increase of 42 per cent," explained undersecretary for the Ministry of Sport Giovanni Lolli.

"The measures set out by the previous Government were effective, but they weren’t implemented. In order to follow England’s example with the hooligan problem, we would need a different penal system."

While in theory those arrested for football-related violence are given custodial sentences, these are very rarely – if ever – seen through and the hooligans are immediately released.

So far 15 people have been arrested as a result of last night’s rioting in Catania – seven of them underage – but none are related to the death of Chief Inspector Filippo Raciti.

All football activity in Italy has been halted indefinitely following the Sicilian derby riots and a meeting set for Monday between political figures, including Prime Minister Romano Prodi, and the calcio hierarchy has been brought forward to Sunday.

"First of all, we must take repressive measures against these delinquents and completely transform our stadiums," continued undersecretary Lolli.

"Finally, the reconstruction of our sporting culture, which our country lacks to such a degree that we must start from school level."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Press reaction

The Italian media reacted with shock and disgust on Saturday to the death of a policeman during violence at the Sicilian derby on Friday night, an event which has prompted the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to suspend all football indefinitely.

The headline in the Corriere Dello Sport read: "He died in war", while an editorial in the newspaper said "too many years have been wasted" in failing to act with the problem sooner.

The Gazzetta Dello Sport front page read: "Catania, 21.00, a policeman is killed. Football shuts down". It also questioned what entered the minds of fans who became engaged in riots, asking how apparently ordinary people could turn to violence when they enter a football stadium.

All the other local papers around the country also led with the story including Tuttosport, the Turin-based newspaper screamed this was "Enough!".

La Nazione newspaper quoted Sergio Campana, President of the Italian Footballers's Association (AIC), as saying that the suspension of football should last up to a year while the problems are dealt with properly.

The headline of the local newspaper, La Sicilia, read: "Tragedy at the Massimino - a policeman dies and football stops."

La Repubblica newspaper spoke of Italy being in "shock" and Il Messaggero described the events as "madness".

Source: Football365

Shutdown of Italian football is big money loser

The temporary shutdown of all Italian football is not just depressing fans in this football mad country but also spells big business losses for a sport that has become a money machine.

From advertising to clothing, television rights to ticket sales and sponsorships to betting, Italian football rakes in estimated revenues of up to 6 billion euros a year. That is nearly 0.5 percent of GDP and the money stream has picked up speed since Italy won the World Cup last year.

But none of it was flowing in this weekend after authorities indefinitely suspended all football following the death of a policeman during fan rioting at a top flight match in Sicily on Friday.

There is no indication when football will resume in the country.

Some recent estimates say Italy's Serie A alone has a market value of about 1.4 billion euros, second only to England's Premier League.

A study by the Deloitte consulting firm last year said some 44 million of Italy's 58 million people, or some 76 percent of the population, are interested in football, 31 million of them are fans and some 14 million go to the stadiums.

Live television football broadcasts total some 1,500 hours a year, drawing an average of four million viewers. Nine million Italians read a daily sports papers.

That is not all. Italians also put their money where their heart is. They have about 340 million euros of their money invested in shares of Italy's three listed soccer teams- Roma, Lazio and Juventus.

All the figures amount to an advertising salespersons dream, and, if it stops or slows down, a revenue nightmare all around, extending to the government tax coffers.

Agipronews, a news agency specialised in betting news, says the government will lose 3.1 million euros in tax revenues from legal betting every weekend where there are no games.

Betting houses lose 5.9 million euros of business every weekend without football. The agency says Italians bet about 30 million euros each weekend on football, about 70 percent of it on Italian teams and the rest on foreign football.

Source: Reuters

Previous deaths at Italian football stadiums

Italian football has been suspended following the death of 38-year-old police officer Filippo Raciti during crowd trouble at a Serie A match between Palermo and Catania.

Raciti's death was the second in six days at the country's football stadiums, following that of 40-year-old club official Ermanno Licursi, who died after being kicked in the neck while trying to stop a fight at an amateur league match in the southern town of Luzzi.


Here are some of the previous deaths in and around Italy's football stadiums...

- In April 1962 during a match between Salernitana and Potenza in Serie C, Gaetano Plaitano was killed by a stray bullet fired by police attempting to restore order when Potenza fans rioted after a penalty appeal was turned down.

- In October 1979 Lazio fan Vincenzo Paparelli was killed by a flare launched from the opposition stand in a game against city rivals Roma.

- In September 1984, a 21-year-old AC Milan fan Marco Fonghessi was stabbed to death at the end of a match against Cremonese. His killer, 18-year-old Milan supporter Giovanni Stefano Centrone, had confused him for an opposition fan.

- In October 1988, at the end of a game against Ascoli, Inter fans stoned and beat Ascoli supporter Nazzareno Filippini, who died eight days later in hospital.

- Before Raciti's death, the last death at a Serie A match dated back to 1995 in Genoa when, when home fan Vincenzo Spagnolo, 24, was knifed by Milan fans outside Genoa's stadium.

- In September 2003, during a match between Napoli and Avellino, 20-year-old Napoli fan Sergio Ercolano fell from an upper tier of Avellino's stadium while being chased by rival supporters. He died in hospital two days later.

Source: Reuters

Italian football suspended following violence in Sicily (1)

Italy's international and domestic football Championships have been suspended indefinitely after the death of a police officer during serious trouble at the Serie A Sicilian derby between Catania and Palermo on Friday night.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) held an emergency meeting, and extraordinary commissioner Luca Pancalli then announced an immediate suspension of all football in Italy. "I have demanded a stop to all activity of football in Italy," Pancalli said in a statement. "Enough is enough. I cannot find the words to describe a 38-year-old man who lost his life in such a way. This is not sport."

Speaking at a hastily-arranged press conference in Rome, Pancalli said the suspension would remain in place indefinitely. "The football tournaments will remain suspended until we solve the violence in our football," he said. "It's unacceptable that such incidents happen in a country like Italy."

"All the football authorities I spoke to immediately agreed that we had to stop everything. Words aren’t enough any more. Right now I am astonished by what has happened and this is completely unacceptable," Pancalli added.

The derby between the two Southern rivals, eventually won 2-1 by Palermo, had been interrupted after 57 minutes due to crowd trouble when smoke floated on to the pitch. Tear gas, used by police to break up the fighting outside the Stadio Angelo Massimino, drifted onto the field.

The two teams left the pitch for the dressing rooms, with the game suspended for nearly 30 minutes. While play resumed and the final whistle sanctioned Palermo's victory, the problems intensified outside the stadium.

The Palermo fans and the entire squad were kept inside the stadium for several hours after the final whistle, as Catania supporters continued to clash with the police. According to reports, 38-year old officer Filippo Raciti was killed when his car was struck by a small home-made bomb. He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries.

Around a hundred people were treated for injuries, while dozens with lesser injuries were taken to local hospitals. Another police officer is also believed to be in a critical condition.

The Catania prosecutor's office has announced a full investigation into the incident.

The dynamics of the incidents are not clear, but it seems as if visiting Palermo supporters arrived in the second half because their bus was lost on the way to Catania.

The FIGC quickly declared that all the weekend's matches were suspended, then clarified that the suspension was "indefinite". Gigi Riva, coach for Italy's national team, said the suspension also applied to the national team. The World Champions were scheduled to play an international friendly match with Romania in Siena on Wednesday.

The under-21's game against Belgium in Chieti on Tuesday has also been cancelled.

The President of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), Gianni Petrucci, backed the FIGC's decision to suspend all football activity, and Prime Minister Romano Prodi issued a statement condemning the violence. "After the serious incidents that occurred in Catania, my first thought is for the people that have been affected and for their families," he said. "I feel a duty to say that we need a strong and clear signal to avoid the degeneration of this sport which we are seeing more dramatically and more often."

Catania director Pietro Lo Monaco broke the news of the policeman’s death inside the stadium and was visibly shaken as he announced he would leave football. "I've heard that a policeman has died," he said. "To speak of football right now seems useless. For me this is the end. I will leave the football world. I don't recognise myself in this world anymore. I have loved football intensely but after this right now it seems absurd."

Palermo coach Francesco Guidolin added, "I am extremely disappointed. Football cannot last for much longer like this."

The game had already been given an early evening slot on Friday because of fears over public safety. It was set to be played on Sunday, but Catania’s police commissioner Michele Capomacchia asked for it to be moved because the game clashed with the city’s celebration of patron saint Sant’Agata.

The festival usually sees over 100,000 people gather in the streets and the derby is considered a high-risk event by police. The city’s mayor had also highlighted that it would have been inconceivable to host both events on the same day.

This tragic incident comes just a week after Ermanno Licursi, director of Calabrian amateur side Sanmartinese, was killed in a fight with opposition players after the final whistle of a Serie D game against Cancellese. It emerged he had been kicked in the head and died from a brain haemorrhage.

In the aftermath of that incident, Pancalli said the FIGC would crack down on violence at football matches in Italy. "We are on high alert. To defend referees and the image of football, I am ready to take drastic measures," he said in a statement on January 29. "I hope that with the contribution of everyone - officials, coaches and players on the pitch and also the true fans and football-lovers in the stadiums - we can restore a climate of sportsmanship and respect that will avoid a stop to the leagues."

Prior to Friday's 6pm (local time) kick-off, a minute's silence had been held following that death last week.

The lower Leagues were suspended and this latest shameful scenario has pushed the FIGC to take similar action with all football in Italy.

This is not the first time that Catania have been involved in crowd trouble this season. They were handed a two-match ban on their home games, ordered to be played behind closed doors earlier this season, after two incidents of crowd trouble in the space of a week in Sicilian derbies against Palermo (the first meeting) and Messina in September 2006.

The incidents will put a large dent in Italy’s hopes of hosting the 2012 European Championships, where they are short listed along with joint bids from Croatia-Hungary and Poland-Ukraine. When Pancalli was asked about the bid he said, "At this moment I'm not thinking about it, but should we lose our Euro 2012 bid because of this situation, we would deserve to lose it." UEFA will announce the hosts in April.

The last time Serie A ground to a halt over fan violence was on February 5, 1995, when Genoa supporter Vincenzo Spagnolo was stabbed to death ahead of a match against Milan.

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