A Stand Against Violence in Sports

A black mark on the face to say no to violence. After yesterday’s announcement by AIA president Carlo Pacifici about the imminence of significant stances against violence towards referees, details are provided by the category association: over the weekend, all Italian referees – AIA states in a note – will take to the field with a black mark on their faces to say no to an increasingly worrying phenomenon, which in the most recent episode resulted in a young referee suffering a fractured elbow during a Third Category match.

Perugia, brawl in a field without barriers. The referee: ‘Players almost strangled by fans’

‘Showing this mark to everyone, from Serie A to amateur and youth championships, aims to raise awareness among sports enthusiasts about this true social scourge,’ reiterated Pacifici. ‘Violence against referees is a phenomenon that should involve all actors of football and sports in general. Our members, stepping onto the field with this black mark, also want to send a message of solidarity to colleagues who have been victims of such violence. The recent assault on a referee in the Lazio Third Category is just the latest case of a worrying trend that requires deep reflection from institutions with formal actions. Violence is never justifiable and must be fought by everyone,’ concluded Pacifici. ‘Moral condemnations are no longer enough; strong and concrete actions are needed to eradicate this disgraceful phenomenon synonymous with hatred and violence. Everyone must feel involved whenever a referee is targeted.’