QUOTE
Milan captain Paolo Maldini believes that the violence in Italian football is a problem that goes beyond sport and does not like the idea of playing behind closed doors.
The FIGC and CONI will meet with government representatives on Monday when they will decide when and how the matches will resume after Friday’s tragic accidents in Catania, with reports suggesting that games could be played with no spectators in the stadiums which do not fit the bill.
“I believe playing without the fans would be an absurd solution, I would rather prefer to stop for another week,†said Maldini.
“Playing behind closed doors would be the death of the game, although it is clear that those who committed the acts in Catania must be punished,†continued the Rossonero.
“The suspension of all activities including the Nazionale friendlies was a strong signal, from now on there will be a zero tolerance policy.â€
The Milan symbol believes that these latest acts represent a social problem, which is not necessarily limited to sports.
“This goes beyond football. What happened occurred outside the stadium and it was a premeditated attack against the police.
“A mixture of the English and American models could represent a good approach. The English have strict laws and the American model brings more families to the concerts and games.
“Often the tensions are not just tied to the game, but to a general social unease. In Italy there is a different culture surrounding sports, a loss is never accepted, while in England they applaud even when a team is relegated.
“Yesterday was a sad day and it is our duty transmit the value of sportsmanship. Our attitude on the field counts and when it’s positive that is all the better,†concluded Maldini.
The FIGC and CONI will meet with government representatives on Monday when they will decide when and how the matches will resume after Friday’s tragic accidents in Catania, with reports suggesting that games could be played with no spectators in the stadiums which do not fit the bill.
“I believe playing without the fans would be an absurd solution, I would rather prefer to stop for another week,†said Maldini.
“Playing behind closed doors would be the death of the game, although it is clear that those who committed the acts in Catania must be punished,†continued the Rossonero.
“The suspension of all activities including the Nazionale friendlies was a strong signal, from now on there will be a zero tolerance policy.â€
The Milan symbol believes that these latest acts represent a social problem, which is not necessarily limited to sports.
“This goes beyond football. What happened occurred outside the stadium and it was a premeditated attack against the police.
“A mixture of the English and American models could represent a good approach. The English have strict laws and the American model brings more families to the concerts and games.
“Often the tensions are not just tied to the game, but to a general social unease. In Italy there is a different culture surrounding sports, a loss is never accepted, while in England they applaud even when a team is relegated.
“Yesterday was a sad day and it is our duty transmit the value of sportsmanship. Our attitude on the field counts and when it’s positive that is all the better,†concluded Maldini.
Football Italia
