Pisa-Verona clashes: three-month away ban, mayor calls it harsh | OneFootball

The Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, has ordered a halt to away trips for Pisa and Verona fans for the next three months, following the clashes that took place last Saturday in Pisa, before the match against the Gialloblù.

Pisa-Verona clashes: away trips suspended for three months. Mayor Conti calls the punishment disproportionate

The measure, reports La Nazione, will come into effect as early as October 24, on the occasion of Pisa’s away match at San Siro against Milan.

The provision was adopted after discussions with the National Observatory on Sporting Events, which analyzed the incident and provided guidance on the measures to be taken to ensure safety during competitions.

Five Verona fans arrested

The Pisa police, in collaboration with the police headquarters of Verona and Trento, have arrested five Verona fans considered among the main perpetrators of the clashes. In a statement, the Pisa Police Headquarters explains: “The arrested individuals were identified as among the most active during the clashes. After stopping and identifying the group of Verona fans, Digos investigators reviewed the footage obtained immediately, thus managing to arrest five fans, four residing in the province of Verona and one in the province of Trento.”

The charges include brawling, possession and throwing of smoke bombs, use of clubs, sticks, and other blunt objects. The four Verona fans have been placed under house arrest, while the fan from Trento will appear in a fast-track trial.

During the clashes, police seized balaclavas, knives, box cutters, gloves, telescopic batons, pieces of belts, buckles, smoke bombs, clubs, Geberit pipes, and metal rods, elements that demonstrate the seriousness of the disturbances.

The reaction of the Mayor of Pisa

The Mayor of Pisa, Michele Conti, criticized the measure on social media: “I am strongly opposed to the sanction imposed on Pisa fans, who for three months will be deprived of the possibility to follow their team away. I believe this is a punitive measure that is disproportionate towards a fan base that has always been distinguished by its fairness and numerous charitable initiatives.”

While condemning the acts of violence, Conti points out that the episode could have been avoided with more effective public order management: “It should have been prevented that a fringe of unruly visiting fans could walk from San Rossore Station to the immediate vicinity of the stadium, in an area frequented by many Pisa fans, including families.”

The mayor also emphasizes the fairness of the vast majority of the Nerazzurri supporters: “In recent days I have tried to protect Pisa fans and highlight the fairness of the vast majority of the Nerazzurri public, made up of enthusiasts and families who had already organized the upcoming away trips. However, we are faced with a decision that ends up punishing those who are not at fault, mortifying the sporting spirit and the genuine passion for the colors of our city’s team. I will not fail to make my voice heard in all appropriate venues.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.