New Uefa president Michel Platini has backed the decision by the Italian footballing authorities to cancel football in the country.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) suspended all levels of football as a mark of respect after a policeman was killed in clashes with fans at the Sicilian derby between Palermo and Catania.
“Firstly, I extend my heartfelt personal condolences, together with those of the entire European football family, to the family of the police officer, Filippo Raciti, who lost his life,” Platini said.
“Violence of any sort is unacceptable and it has absolutely no place in the game of football – we do not condone it, we must not accept it and we must act to eradicate it.
“That is why today Uefa offers its whole-hearted support for the actions taken by the FIGC’s extraordinary commissioner, Luca Pancalli, to indefinitely suspend all international and domestic matches until further notice.”
Platini said that Uefa was keen to deal harshly with hooliganism which has reared its head across Europe in recent months.
“Following the death of a Paris Saint Germain supporter last year and the rioting of Feyenoord fans in Nancy, this latest episode further deepens our concern about violence creeping back into the game,” Platini said.
“We must now work together with the Italian football authorities and politicians in support of the Italian game, and find a solution to this spiral of violence that is plaguing European football.”
