Lazio have issued an official club statement condemning the racist and antisemitic actions of a minority of its supporters during the 1-0 Derby della Capitale win over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening.
Chants of an antisemitic nature were heard from sections of the stands, whilst pictures of a fan wearing a shirt with ‘Hitlerson’ printed with the No. 88 were widely circulated online.
The Biancocelesti have taken a strong stance against these sorts of actions and have disassociated themselves from the minority of supporters responsible for the ugly scenes over the weekend.
The statement on the club website reads: “Lazio has always been at the forefront, especially under the current presidency, in publicly condemning, preventing and unreservedly repressing any discriminatory, racist or anti-Semitic demonstration or action.
“The condemnation by the club of these sorts of actions, which have nothing to do with the legitimate supporters as represented by the club, have always been punctual, never generic and are always supported by specific initiatives aimed at preventing and combating such phenomena.
“Lazio dissociates itself from any illegal and anachronistic behaviour of this type, as it is above all a damaged entity after such behaviour.”
Unfortunately, this was not the first time Lazio supporters have been involved in an incident of this nature, with sections of the self-professed right-wing ultras banned at several points over recent years.
The Curva Nord was temporarily closed after a game against Lecce on January 4, 2023, during which Barcelona Samuel Umtiti was subject to racist abuse before leaving the pitch in tears.
Lazio’s statement described such actions as a “dangerous germ” and insisted that the club stands wholeheartedly against abuse of any nature.
The statement continued: “The ignorance, incivility and superficiality of many have spread in stadiums in Italy and is a dangerous germ, induced by a small minority. Many replicate the behaviour without even knowing the full meaning and scope of their actions.
“Lazio is inspired by opposing values: inclusion, sportsmanship and respect for all.”
The full statement confirmed that Lazio are conducting their own internal investigation, assisted by external authorities in an attempt to get to the bottom of the issue.
The incidents in the stands on Sunday are also being subject to official investigations by the FIGC.