Italy’s Minister of the Interior Giuseppe Pisanu has called for the police to be given the authority to suspend matches if supporters display banners inciting racism or political violence.
“I have invited the forces of public security to apply the existing laws with the maximum severity and suspend matches every time messages are displayed inciting political violence, racism or xenophobia,” Pisanu told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Pisanu’s call came after Roma fans held up neo-Nazi and anti-Semitic banners during Sunday’s 3-0 win over Livorno in Serie A.
Roma have been ordered to play their next home Serie A fixture at a neutral venue and behind closed doors by the Italian Football League disciplinary committee.
Subscribe to World Soccer – The essential football magazine
