October 27 – Italian football’s efforts to tackle a resurgence of anti-Semitism backfired disgracefully when a section of Lazio fans, traditionally among the worst culprits, sang fascist songs instead and made salutes.
The appalling behaviour came during a reading from Anne Frank’s diary, read aloud before every Italian league match on Wednesday in response to Lazio fans posting stickers of Frank wearing a Roma shirt on the walls of the Olympic stadium which they share with their cross-town rivals.
That incident caused outrage, with the Italian prime minister Paolo Gentiloni calling the images “unbelievable” and “unacceptable”.
While most fans across the country observed the reading and one minute’s silence, some supporters at Lazio vs Bologna resorted to type.
Sadly, a portion of Juventus’ support also boycotted the anti-Semitic protest, turning their backs during the minute’s silence and singing the Italian national anthem.
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