After the striker was the target of more racial abuse in Sunday's game with Napoli, the south stand of Roma's ground will be temporarily closed.That 8,486-capacity Curva Sud part of Stadio Olimpico houses the club's most hardcore fans - called 'Ultras'. What occurred Sunday night is appalling and unacceptable. AS Roma does not want those individuals [who are] responsible as fans," the club said in a statement. Roma's partial stadium closure does not apply to Sunday's Coppa Italia derby at the ground with neighbours Lazio.The actions of this small group are hateful and also hurt our club and our loyal law-abiding supporters.Balotelli was one of three black players the Italian football authorities declared had been victimised after play in the 0-0 draw between Milan and Roma was stopped for about two minutes.We have not yet received a detailed report from the league or federation but will continue to work with them and law enforcement to ensure that everything possible is done to identify and ban those involved from football stadia.Despite both Roma and Napoli players wearing anti-racism T-shirts while warming up before last weekend's 2-1 win for the hosts, the chants reoccurred after news filtered through to the Olimpico crowd that Balotelli had scored a late penalty in Milan's 2-1 victory at Siena which helped secure the club's Champions League qualifying place.As well as having to shut the Curva Sud section for one game at the start of next season, Roma have been issued with another 50,000 euros (£42,400) fine.
Tuesday, 21 May 2013
Roma given partial stadium
After the striker was the target of more racial abuse in Sunday's game with Napoli, the south stand of Roma's ground will be temporarily closed.That 8,486-capacity Curva Sud part of Stadio Olimpico houses the club's most hardcore fans - called 'Ultras'. What occurred Sunday night is appalling and unacceptable. AS Roma does not want those individuals [who are] responsible as fans," the club said in a statement. Roma's partial stadium closure does not apply to Sunday's Coppa Italia derby at the ground with neighbours Lazio.The actions of this small group are hateful and also hurt our club and our loyal law-abiding supporters.Balotelli was one of three black players the Italian football authorities declared had been victimised after play in the 0-0 draw between Milan and Roma was stopped for about two minutes.We have not yet received a detailed report from the league or federation but will continue to work with them and law enforcement to ensure that everything possible is done to identify and ban those involved from football stadia.Despite both Roma and Napoli players wearing anti-racism T-shirts while warming up before last weekend's 2-1 win for the hosts, the chants reoccurred after news filtered through to the Olimpico crowd that Balotelli had scored a late penalty in Milan's 2-1 victory at Siena which helped secure the club's Champions League qualifying place.As well as having to shut the Curva Sud section for one game at the start of next season, Roma have been issued with another 50,000 euros (£42,400) fine.
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