Fiorentina formally opened the new Viola Park training centre to the public, but there was immediately controversy with the union of journalists complaining a reporter was thrown out.
The project has been in the works ever since President Rocco Commisso took control of the club, set to rival the Juventus camp Continassa for being the focal centre of all things Viola.
It includes a small stadium where they can play games for the youth teams and women’s squad, while there will also eventually be fitness facilities, a medical centre and hotel.
It was opened to the public for the first time on September 30 for the Fiorentina Primavera youth team game against Milan, with 1,185 spectators.
However, just before kick-off, journalist Francesco Matteini told QuiAntella that he had been refused entry to the Viola Park, despite having purchased a ticket.
“You are not welcome here and cannot come in. This is private property and only who we want to will come in. Feel free to write it: Barone did not let me in,” said vice-president Joe Barone.
Matteini insists he repeatedly asked why and was told ‘you are not a journalist who is welcome here.’
He also claims that when showing the ticket that he had paid for, Barone tried to push a 50 Euro note into his pocket, which Matteini threw back in his face.
The UST, ASSI and Ordine dei Gioranlisti unions have condemned the ‘unacceptable’ incident.