Italian football’s long-running struggle with extremist displays returned to the spotlight after 16 Roma supporters were handed stadium bans for gestures made during the home Serie A match against Atalanta on September 5.
Key takeaways
- Sixteen AS Roma fans have been prohibited from attending football matches across Italy.
- The sanctions followed fascist salutes, with arms raised, during Roma’s fixture against Atalanta.
- Some of those involved were also wearing shirts praising Nazism.
- The bans range from one to five years and extend beyond domestic Roma matches.
- Four supporters must report to a police station while Roma are playing.
Roma fans face wide-ranging sanctions
Rome police confirmed that the 16 supporters will be barred from stadiums throughout Italy after the incident at the Stadio Olimpico. Their punishments also apply when Roma play abroad and during matches involving the Italy national team.
The measures run from one year to five years, depending on the individual case. In addition, four of the sanctioned fans have been ordered to present themselves at a police station during Roma fixtures.
Far-right symbolism and gestures have remained a recurring problem among sections of Italian ultra culture. Prosecutors have also identified connections involving some supporters, organised crime and extremist networks.
SEO title: Sixteen Roma supporters banned from stadiums after fascist salutes
SEO description: Italian police have issued stadium bans of up to five years to 16 AS Roma supporters after fascist salutes and Nazi-glorifying clothing at the Atalanta match.
