Inter President Steven Zhang says that when it comes to public safety "strong words are never too strong," after his attack on Serie A President Paolo Dal Pino.
Zhang gave an interview to CNN whilst at the Financial Times Business of Football in London this week, and says that Italy must take the example of China in the battle against containing the Coronavirus.
“Obviously with the fans in the stadium, matches will be more exciting. It’s part of the experience of football,” Zhang told the broadcaster.
Inter President Steven Zhang says that when it comes to public safety "strong words are never too strong," after his attack on Serie A President Paolo Dal Pino.
Zhang gave an interview to CNN whilst at the Financial Times Business of Football in London this week, and says that Italy must take the example of China in the battle against containing the Coronavirus.
“Obviously with the fans in the stadium, matches will be more exciting. It’s part of the experience of football,” Zhang told the broadcaster.
“However, as we have said many times, as a football organisation, as a sport, as a sport organisation with a big impact on society, it’s important that we always put public health first.
“From experience, we must look to China, which is acting successfully in reducing crowds, reducing condensed areas, and having less people moving in order to decrease the spread of the virus.
“So, in order to continue with the fixture calendar, to continue with the matches, but at the same time making sure that public safety is being felt by everybody in the country and in society, we must look to China.
“I think this is a good solution for all of us.”
Zhang caused controversy this week when he posted a series of videos on his Instagram account calling Lega Serie A President Paolo Dal Pino “a clown”.
“A lot of people think my words are strong but when it comes to protecting people and public safety, words are never too strong.
“I’m not an expert on health and on the virus, but what I believe is that as long as we are taking the necessary steps, precautions, and what we’ve learned from what we are doing in China, we can see that the situation will improve.
“It’s not good for the public, I think overall it’s a difficult situation for all the clubs and all the companies, but as we see the improvement that they are trying to make and the recognition from the world health organisation, if we take the right steps, sooner or later the situation will get better.”
Zhang then discussed the race for the Scudetto, and if Inter will play all of their remaining games.
“I think now, starting with the game this weekend (against Juve), eventually we can finish the season and I think these are difficulties that not only we are facing.
“When are looking at sports events and league matches, especially those taking nine months or almost a year to finish, in the middle of it you can never see or can never predict what can happen in the end, and that’s why sports are so exciting and fascinating for people.
“So even though there are some great moments, and even though maybe sometimes there are ups and down…we can only judge at the end of the season.”