Roma President James Pallotta interacted with fans, pledging to “get rid of people who don’t act as supporters.”
The patron has been under fire from ultras over the last few days after he called them “idiots” for using banners to insult Antonella Leardi, the mother of murdered Napoli fan Ciro Esposito.
The Curva Sud will be closed for the game against Atalanta this weekend and Roma opted not to appeal, prompting a furious response from the ultras.
Roma President James Pallotta interacted with fans, pledging to “get rid of people who don’t act as supporters.”
The patron has been under fire from ultras over the last few days after he called them “idiots” for using banners to insult Antonella Leardi, the mother of murdered Napoli fan Ciro Esposito.
The Curva Sud will be closed for the game against Atalanta this weekend and Roma opted not to appeal, prompting a furious response from the ultras.
Today Pallotta engaged with supporters from all over the world in a Twitter chat and did not hold back when asked why he didn’t appeal the ban.
“We had discussions behind closed doors and an appeal wasn't going to fly. I am concerned with trying to change the culture and getting rid of the people who don't act as supporters and push their own selfish agenda.
“I have always gone to bat for Roma fans – in Rome, in Italy and all over the world. But I will only go to bat for true fans and supporters which are almost all of you.
“True fans can criticise but still support the players. They don't make racist comments. They don't create violent situations.
“They don't **** on the players who are trying. They don't create situations that screw it up for all of the others. We all suffer because of the actions of a few.
“In the last few months, a small group of fans insulted the players, called them into the Curva and said you don't deserve the Roma uniform. I saw that at the Fiorentina game.”
He was also asked if it would ever be possible to get violence out of Italian football.
“Italy is not even close to the worst country regarding violence. That being said, we should have zero tolerance and only together can we get there.”
The Giallorossi have slipped to third place behind Lazio, so does he fear missing out on Europe’s biggest competition?
“I believe we will be in the Champions League next season but as I've said for the last two and a half years, this is a long-term project and we need to build consistency.
“Of course I am not satisfied. I want to win many Scudetto's and compete in the Champions League every season. That will happen, but I still won't be satisfied unless we win them all.
“AS Roma is my primary love and business today and as far out as I can see. We are only at the beginning.
“I love Rome and Romans more than anything. Always have. I thought we all had the chance to create a long-lasting world-class team. Still do.
“Our objective is still to make Champions League and we are working hard to improve. We made some mistakes. We are learning from them. We will be much better as an entire organisation this coming year.”
While the responses to Roma’s English language Twitter account were positive, those to the Italian-language account included further insults and complaints.
These followed on from offensive banners placed outside the Trigoria training ground aimed at Pallotta – and written in English.
“By the way, the Trigoria banners are interesting… but my mother calls me much worse!”