Italy: After incidents in Rome, government wants stronger laws against violence

The Italian government wants to strengthen laws against violence in stadiums, said interior minister Angelino Alfano in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa on 05/05/2014. This announcement comes after serious incidents between supporters that took place in Rome outside the final of the Coppa Italia (SSC Napoli - Fiorentina, 3-1) on 03/05/2014.

The minister wants to double the length of stadium bans in cases of recidivism. "Currently, the penalty is a five-year stadium ban, and five years the second time. It should be five the first time, and then 10," said Angelino Afano, who also said that a "lifetime ban would be difficult to implement."

The Italian minister says he also wants to extend stadium bans to offenses committed outside sports arenas. Fan groups would also be targeted, and not just individuals.

The incidents of 03/05/2014

• Three Neapolitan fans were wounded by bullets before the match.
• The shooting angered Neapolitan tifosi (fans) who threw things onto the pitch of the Olympic Stadium.
• After a dialogue between officials, fan representatives, and Marek…