Serie A referees wore black smudge on their cheeks in December in protest at an increase in abuse suffered by officials Those who commit acts of violence against match officials in Italy could now be sentenced to time in prison. The Italian government modified its penal code on Friday to give match officials the same legal protection as police officers and other public officials. The law change, which followed a rise in cases of assault against referees, means perpetrators could face much tougher penalties for pushing, hitting or threatening match officials. "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 junior justice minister Andrea Ostellari. The government has been in talks with the Italian Soccer Referees Association (ISRA) since December. That month Serie A referees highlighted the increase in abuse they were being subjected to by wearing black smudges on their cheeks during matches in protest. 19-year-old referee Diego Alfonzetti was attacked last season during a youth match in Sicily. The teenage official was invited on to the pitch at the Stadio Olimpico for the derby between Lazio and Roma in March alongside the day's match officials in a show of solidarity.
Assaulting referees in Italy could lead to prison time
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"Italy Implements Prison Sentences for Assaults on Soccer Referees"
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TruthLens AI Summary
The Italian government has enacted a significant change to its penal code, providing match officials, including referees, with the same legal protections as police officers and other public officials. This legislative move comes in response to a disturbing rise in incidents of violence against referees in Italy, particularly in the realm of professional soccer. The new law stipulates that those who engage in violent acts such as pushing, hitting, or threatening match officials could face severe penalties, potentially including prison time. Junior Justice Minister Andrea Ostellari emphasized the government's commitment to combating violence in sports, stating that any aggression towards referees will be met with immediate consequences, reinforcing the notion that sportsmanship encompasses loyalty and respect among players and officials alike.
The issue of referee abuse has gained heightened attention, particularly after a series of alarming incidents, including the attack on 19-year-old referee Diego Alfonzetti during a youth match in Sicily last season. In December, Serie A referees demonstrated their solidarity against the rising tide of abuse by marking their faces with black smudges during matches, symbolizing their protest against the violence they endure. The Italian Soccer Referees Association (ISRA) has been actively engaged in discussions with the government since then, advocating for stronger protections for match officials. This legislative change is expected to serve as a deterrent against future assaults and to promote a safer environment for referees, thereby fostering a culture of respect and fairness in sports across Italy.
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