Serbian Football Fans' Violence in Italy Stirs Outrage

Broken glass left by supporters of Serbia during riots is seen at the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying match against Italy at the Luigi Ferraris stadium in Genoa. Photo by EPA/BGNES

UEFA and the Serbian Football Association announced Thursday they have launched an investigation into Serbian fans violence which caused their Euro 2012 qualifier in Italy to be canceled.

Pre-game clashes in Genoa first delayed the kick-off and then the match was stopped after only six minutes because Serbian fans were throwing flares in the direction of the north stand, where Italian supporters were seated, and on to the pitch.

Following discussions between delegations from both countries and UEFA officials, the Serbs went back to the dressing room.

Although no official announcement had been made at that point about the match being abandoned, the Italians then also left the pitch, applauding their fans.

Possible sanctions from UEFA include a reprimand or fine, stadium closure or even disqualification from current and/or future competitions.

The events in Genoa will be discussed at a UEFA meeting on 28 October, with the Italian Football Federation also facing possible punishment.

Serbian Football Association President Tomislav Karadzic, quoted by BBC, said there had been "indications" there would be violence, which "brought embarrassment and shame on our country, and the State must react," adding his own report will be submitted to UEFA before the October 28 meeting.

Italian Football Federation Security Chief Roberto Massucci blamed Serbian authorities for allowing the troublemakers to travel in the first place.

Serbia's Ambassador to Italy, Sanda Raskovic-Ivic, said she was appalled by what took place, and apologized on behalf of her country.

Italian police announce they made 17 arrests, 16 of them of Serbian citizens.

In addition to the stadium violence, the Serbian fans went on assaulting their own players in their bus.

Meanwhile, Serbian authorities informed they made 19 additional arrests of fans on the border upon their return home, adding they have strong doubts a major part of those arrested have been behind violence that erupted during the Sunday gay parade in Belgrade.

In the light of the latest event, the Serbian Football Association is deliberating calling off the country's all time derby between the "Partisan" and "Cervena Zvezda" (Red Star) teams. The Association demands doubling security and police in order to hold the match, which is considered one of the most danger-prone events in Serbia, often leading to many injuries and arrests.

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