By Andrew Warshaw
May 14 – Italian authorities have wasted no time punishing Roma for the racist chanting of their fans by slapping them with a €50,000 fine – but nothing stronger.
In the wake of Kevin-Prince Boateng’s famous walkoff during a winter break friendly in January, the Italian FA said it would be clamping down harder on racism while UEFA warned that in their competitions, teams could be forced to play behind closed doors
But Roma got off lightly after Sunday’s Serie A fixture at AC Milan was halted early in the second half following verbal abuse aimed at Milan’s black players. Afterwards Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri described Italian football as “a place for the uncivilised”.
It was first time in Italian football that play had been temporarily halted and then re-started, but Allegri questioned the strength of the sanction. “Stopping the game doesn’t work, it’s a happy medium and like all happy mediums, it doesn’t do anybody any good,” he said.
In response to the fine, Roma released a statement condemning the actions of their supporters.
“This type of behaviour from any football supporters, including ours, is completely unacceptable. We are committed to facing this issue head-on to rid our sport of this problem and promote respect for all.”
Black players Boateng, striker Mario Balotelli and defender Kevin Constant were part of the Milan team though the governing body of the Italian league’s judgement didn’t name them, stating only that three players had been abused.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter voiced his own disapproval at the Roma fans’ behaviour, tweeting: “Appalled to read about racist abuse in Serie A. Tackling this issue is complex, but we’re committed to action, not just words.”
The President of the Italian Football Federation Giancarlo Abete pledged Roma would face far harsher punishment if there was any repeat.
“They [fines] are becoming a solution that does not solve the problem, because certain people don’t care,” he said. “If names are registered to tickets, these people will be prevented from accessing other parts of the stadium.
“This is a strong signal of our intent and after that would follow the entire closure of a stadium. This idea will be presented to UEFA’s executive committee on May 24, where the main theme will be racism and I imagine that it will be endorsed as it falls in line with the committee’s plans.”
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