Milan captain Paolo Maldini is concerned that the death of a policeman at the Catania-Palermo match over the weekend, could lead to all matches in Italy being played behind closed doors.
All matches in Italy have been cancelled indefinitely after Friday’s tragedy, but Maldini fears that being forced to play in an empty stadium would signal the death of the game.
“Playing without spectators would be an absurd solution,” said Maldini Monday.
“I’d prefer that the suspension be extended for an additional week. Playing behind closed doors is the death of football and the most frustrating thing a player can endure, even if it’s obvious that something has to be done.”
No date has been given for the return of Serie A, but press reports estimate it could return behind closed doors this weekend.
“In the past there have been similar situations but today the reactions are different. The suspension of the championship and the national team are strong signals,” said Maldini.
“From now on it should be tolerance zero. But we should also have more preventative measures,” added the veteran defender.
