Italy gets tough on hooligans

The Italian government has announced the reinstatement of a decree increasing police powers to arrest suspected hooligans up to 36 hours after an incident if there is clear evidence against them.

Security cameras
Police will now have an extended period of time to analyse pictures from security cameras in and around stadiums before bringing troublemakers into custody. The decree became a force of law back on 20 August 2001, but was amended after just six games as it was considered unconstitutional.

Government talks
Government officials have been in talks with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the police authorities have also been holding discussions and it was widely forecast that the original decree would once again become a force of law.

Strong line
Mario Pescante, secretary of the Ministry of Culture, demanded that the FIGC take a strong line against football violence. He said: "Now hooligans will be forced to face the courts. The government has done everything it can and now the football authorities must act to sanction hooligans."

Assaults on players
Crowd trouble and physical assaults on players have blighted the current Italian season. At the beginning of December, Francesco Baldini, captain of Serie B side SSC Napoli, was attacked by fans while driving his car and last month AC Messina goalkeeper Emauele Manitta was hospitalised after a Cagliari Calcio fan ran on the pitch and punched him. According to a police report, meanwhile, injuries to supporters and police have risen 260 per cent since last season.