Serie A: Damiano Tommasi (AIC) welcomes sanctions against racist behavior

"In other countries, going to the stadium is a celebration for everybody, but we’re not ready for that in Italy yet," said Damiano Tommasi, president of the AIC (Italian Professional Footballers' Association), on the 24/09/2013. The former international player (34 caps) reacts to the decision of the Serie A to sanction AC Milan for racist behavior (closing of a stand for one match).

This is the third sanction imposed on an Italian club since the beginning of the championship, on the 24/08/2013. Lazio and Inter Milan had to play a match with one stand closed because of insults or racist banners.

"UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) has taken a very strong stance with very heavy sanctions. Repressive action is not the best solution, but it contributes to having more attention," said Damiano Tommasi.

"Everybody has got to join forces to isolate those who give football, and at the same time Italian sport in general, a bad name," said Giovanni Malago, President of CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee), on the 18/09/2013. "I hope that, once this first wave of sanctions is…