Ascoli to appeal against ban

Ascoli are to appeal against the decision to force them to play their next two home games at a neutral stadium behind closed doors.

The ban was imposed following an incident in which a woman was struck in the face by a firework fired by Ascoli supporters at their Sampdoria counterparts.

But the club feels they are being punished too harshly for the actions of a small minority of fans.

“I think this punishment is too severe,” said club administrator Roberto Benigni. “It punishes the club, the squad and the fans, who showed a great sense of responsibility during the game.

“This was an act done by two youngsters who have nothing to do with our regular fan following, while now our real supporters and the squad has to pay for this.

“The Del Duca stadium has an added value for us and to have to play away and without fans will be very hard for us.”