The Nice Administrative Court, approached in emergency proceedings, validated this Friday the closure of the South stand of the Allianz Riviera stadium, particularly for the OGC Nice/PSG match on April 18, which was contested by OGC Nice.
A foreseen and logical decision as any leniency is unjustifiable in light of these crowd movements aimed at turning a sports venue into a battleground. In fact, there always comes a time when one must know how to say stop! Or basta, as they say in the region…
Let’s recall that the appeal to the Administrative Court followed one submitted to the CNOSF, which in turn contested a decision from the LFP’s Disciplinary Commission regarding the indisciplined behavior of some spectators during the match against Evian.
The club’s management had filed these appeals in support of the supporters penalized by this decision, which was evidently considered too severe towards the so-called “12th man.”
Change of scenario, same issue: the Curva Sud (AS Roma ultras’ stand) displayed, during the match against Naples two weeks ago, a large banner with particularly insulting messages directed at the mother of Ciro Esposito, a Neapolitan supporter killed in a brawl with some Romans before the AS Roma-Naples match last season.
The Italian League’s Disciplinary Commission has also ruled for the closure of this stand for the upcoming Sunday match against Bergame.
The president of AS Roma, Italian-American James Pallotta, categorically refused the appeal requested by supporters and season ticket holders, branding these groups as “stupid bastards.”
Despite verbal threats, he has not changed his mind and even escalated by urging these so-called ‘tifosi’ not to come to the stadium anymore so as not to disturb the spectators who come to watch a sports show and have nothing in common with aggressive individuals who use the match as an opportunity for their outbursts.
James Pallotta expressed the hope that his stance would be adopted by other club presidents whose passivity and sometimes complicity with these sections of the public is well-known and proven.
Conclusion: Faced with the same issue, two entirely different reactions. Who deserves the palm for courage?
