Silvio Berlusconi has rejected the notion that Serie A’s clubs should take an active role in better securing their stadiums.
Silvio Berlusconi has rejected the notion that Serie A’s clubs should take an active role in better securing their stadiums.
Following issues before and after the Coppa Italia Final in Rome on Saturday night, the Italian government has called for action to be taken to better organise and protect football from hooliganism.
Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has commented that action will be taken, which Minister for the Interior Angelino Alfano has today indicated will involve introducing new security measures, with the co-operation of the clubs.
However, Milan President’s and the former Italy Prime Minister has rejected this suggestion on financial and logistical grounds.
“We must continue in the identification of those responsible for acts of violence and to prohibit them access to the stadiums,” Berlusconi has commented today on Radio Anch’io Sport.
“I do not think it is useful and possible, what I have read, and that is that stadium security should be entrusted to the football clubs.
“For two reasons – all the clubs presently have difficult budgets, many in deficit and they cannot afford this expense.
“And because they would never have the expertise for an effective security system.
“It would help to tighten the Daspo [prohibition of access to sporting events] and it should be applied to the fans who deserve it.”