Italian authorities have taken measures against 22 hardcore supporters of Juventus and Torino following an investigation into violent clashes that occurred before the Turin derby in May. The clashes took place outside the Olimpico Grande Torino stadium on the final matchday of last season. According to reports, the violent confrontation left nine police officers injured as law enforcement attempted to separate the opposing fan groups.
The supervision orders, enforced across several northern Italian cities, require the individuals to check in regularly with local law enforcement while barring them from entering Turin. The measures target rival “ultra” group members from both Juventus and Torino who clashed outside the stadium. The individuals face charges including affray and throwing bottles, stones, and explosive devices during the pre-match brawl.
A 36-year-old Juventus supporter sustained a severe head injury after being struck by a tear gas canister during the chaos. In addition to the supervision orders, authorities handed down stadium bans to 20 other supporters suspected of participating in the clashes. The bans aim to prevent further violence during upcoming matches.
The city rivals, Juventus and Torino, are scheduled to meet again in a Serie A showdown on January 6 at Juventus’s Allianz Stadium, coinciding with a national holiday in Italy. The match comes after a 2-2 draw in their previous encounter. Juventus currently sits seventh in the Serie A standings with 10 points, close to the European places.
Meanwhile, Torino are 14th with four points, just above the relegation area. Early in the Serie A season, both teams are looking to improve their standings. The Italian authorities' measures aim to maintain order and prevent further violence during the upcoming match.
The violent clashes and subsequent measures highlight the ongoing issue of fan violence in Italian football. The authorities have been working to address the problem through stricter measures and closer monitoring of fan groups. The supervision orders and stadium bans are part of these efforts.
The incident serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and football authorities to ensure fan safety and prevent violence. The measures taken will be closely watched in the lead-up to the January 6 match and beyond.
Key points
- Italian authorities issue supervision orders to 22 hardcore Juventus and Torino fans after violent clashes ahead of May derby match.
- The supervision orders require the individuals to check in regularly with local law enforcement while barring them from entering Turin.
- Authorities also hand down stadium bans to 20 other supporters suspected of participating in the clashes.
