Latest news with #ItalianSoccerRefereesAssociation
News18
6 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Italy Grants Referees Legal Protection Amid Rise In Assault
Referees in Italy will now be granted the same legal protection as police officers and other public officials, according to Sports Minister Andrea Abodi. This initiative aims to reduce the increasing number of assaults in sports like soccer. A modification to the penal code will introduce significantly harsher penalties, including possible imprisonment, for acts of violence against match officials. These acts include pushing, hitting, or threatening referees. The decision follows months of discussions between the government and the Italian Soccer Referees Association. The law, which is part of a decree approved by the Italian government late on Friday, extends protection to all officials responsible for ensuring fair conduct in sporting events. Abuse towards match officials at all levels of Italian soccer has become an escalating concern. In December, Serie A referees highlighted this issue by wearing black smudges on their cheeks during matches as a form of protest. One notorious incident from last season involved 19-year-old referee Diego Alfonzetti, who was attacked while officiating a youth match in Sicily. In a show of solidarity, Alfonzetti was invited onto the pitch alongside the match officials before the Lazio-Rome Serie A derby in April.
Reuters
a day ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Italy cracks down on violence against referees
ROME, June 21 (Reuters) - Referees in Italy will now receive the same legal protection as police officers and other public officials, Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said, to help curb a rise in cases of assault in sports such as soccer. A change to the penal code will mean much tougher penalties, include potentially jail, for acts of violence against match officials, including pushing, hitting, or threatening. The move follows months of discussions between the government and the Italian Soccer Referees Association. The law, part of a decree approved by the Italian government late on Friday, extends protection to all officials responsible for ensuring sporting fixtures are conducted fairly. Abuse towards match officials at all levels of Italian soccer has become a growing concern. In December, Serie A referees highlighted the issue by wearing black smudges on their cheeks during matches as a symbol of protest. In one notorious example last season, 19-year-old referee Diego Alfonzetti was attacked when he took charge of a youth match in Sicily. Alfonzetti was invited on to the pitch alongside the match officials before the Lazio-Rome Serie A derby in April as an act of solidarity. "Sport is loyalty and sharing. Those who do not accept it are warned: from tomorrow violent behaviour and aggression against referees will be punished without delay, even with prison," said Senator Andrea Ostellari, a junior justice minister.
CNA
a day ago
- Politics
- CNA
Italy cracks down on violence against referees
ROME :Referees in Italy will now receive the same legal protection as police officers and other public officials, Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said, to help curb a rise in cases of assault in sports such as soccer. A change to the penal code will mean much tougher penalties, include potentially jail, for acts of violence against match officials, including pushing, hitting, or threatening. The move follows months of discussions between the government and the Italian Soccer Referees Association. The law, part of a decree approved by the Italian government late on Friday, extends protection to all officials responsible for ensuring sporting fixtures are conducted fairly. Abuse towards match officials at all levels of Italian soccer has become a growing concern. In December, Serie A referees highlighted the issue by wearing black smudges on their cheeks during matches as a symbol of protest. In one notorious example last season, 19-year-old referee Diego Alfonzetti was attacked when he took charge of a youth match in Sicily. Alfonzetti was invited on to the pitch alongside the match officials before the Lazio-Rome Serie A derby in April as an act of solidarity. "Sport is loyalty and sharing. Those who do not accept it are warned: from tomorrow violent behaviour and aggression against referees will be punished without delay, even with prison," said Senator Andrea Ostellari, a junior justice minister.
