Italian football has a problem. A big problem. Crowds are falling and a noticeable proportion of those going to games are openly involved in political extremism, racism and violence. This may not be endemic to the extent that every game for every team is marred by one or more of these problems, but it hardly comes as a surprise to learn of what a tiny minority of Roma Ultras did last night to a group of NON-VIOLENT Middlesbrough supporters, many of whom were in family groups. Natrually, some of them retaliated in self-defence, but the attacks were unprovoked, and to call them a total disgrace would be an understatement.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/tees/4808246.stm
I have no intention of removing the flag from my profile page, nor of changing my username. I am English, I was not born in Italy, let alone Roma so my choice of Italian side is precisely that, a choice. I do not regret this choice.
But today I don't feel the pride quite so much. I feel ashamed, hurt, offended.
This is the most serious incident I am aware of in Italian football, certainly recently, but the very fact it does not surprise me tells a story in itself. Something has to change here. I've witnessed at close quarters some of the more regular acts of violence and intimidation which follow the game of football around and nothing seems to get done. So called stewards at games watch quite nonchalantly as so called fans throw bottles and bangers at opposing supporters.
Perhaps there is more to it than I am aware of. Perhaps I write in ignorance. But then whatever I don't know wouldn't heal the wounds suffered by a group of innocent English fans last night, the latest victims in a sorry tale of Italian football extremism.
Originally posted by asromacalcioAll clubs should withdraw support from such organized groups of fans. Everyone knows who they are and their impunity sickens me.
Italian football has a problem. A big problem. Crowds are falling and a noticeable proportion of those going to games are openly involved in political extremism, racism and violence. This may not be endemic to the extent that every game for every team is marred by one or more of these problems, but it hardly comes as a surprise to learn of what a tiny m ...[text shortened]... t English fans last night, the latest victims in a sorry tale of Italian football extremism.
I clearly know which are the violent ones and who are the peaceful ones in the club I support. I'm sure that club managers are also aware of who they are and their inaction strikes me as a hypocrite consentment of such actions.
Originally posted by asromacalcioFriend, it's only my humble opinion as a football fan but when there are empties anything can fill them. Italian stadiums are empty so it becomes a fashionable place for those cavemen to "express" themselves.
Italian football has a problem. A big problem. Crowds are falling and a noticeable proportion of those going to games are openly involved in political extremism, racism and violence. This may not be endemic to the extent that every game for every team is marred by one or more of these problems, but it hardly comes as a surprise to learn of what a tiny m ...[text shortened]... t English fans last night, the latest victims in a sorry tale of Italian football extremism.
I don't know if it's the ticket prices or the crappy, boring football played there (sorry, it is) but they sure must get the NORMAL people and families back in their stadiums. Of course England and Spain have the same problem, but I can imagine an "ultra" would behave more if his sister/daughter/mother/father/brother is there. What do you think it could solve this mess?
Originally posted by darvlayIf you get a chance - try and see a film called 'I.D.' - a very good film about a cop going undercover into this sort of organized hooliganism.
What a bunch of savages! Surely, it's not difficult to understand the concept of "It's only a game"? How old are these so-called fans?
Originally posted by jareyesTicket prices are very low, it costs €15 to watch Roma play.
Friend, it's only my humble opinion as a football fan but when there are empties anything can fill them. Italian stadiums are empty so it becomes a fashionable place for those cavemen to "express" themselves.
I don't know if it's the ticket prices or the crappy, boring football played there (sorry, it is) but they sure must get the NORMAL people and famil ...[text shortened]... ster/daughter/mother/father/brother is there. What do you think it could solve this mess?
As for a solution, I really don't know.
Originally posted by Dr StrangeloveIt certainly helped in the UK. Sad thing here though is that the ultras are more organised than the hooligans of the 80s we had to suffer. Lazio ultras once went on strike against the club and when a fan cheered one of their goals, they beat him up. (I'm not saying this because it's Lazio, it's sadly demonstrative of the sort of thing we are up against, to a lesser or greater degree, at many clubs here.) Another club I know of put prices up and fans wishing to continue attending were intimidated into not doing so. Otherwise it would be quite simple.
If they put the price up to say, 40 Euros, it might help.