LAZIO have sent out a strongly worded statement to their fans as they head for Glasgow this week to watch their side take on Celtic in the Europa League.
The Italian club are just off the back of being punished by UEFA after being charged with racist behaviour against Rennes on match day two. The club have to close part of their stadium for the reverse Celtic fixture and also have a suspended full stadium ban which will be immediately come to pass if they are charged again with the same crime.
Lazio find themselves trying to tell a group of fans not to partake in the behaviour which will see them being punished by UEFA. This is the second statement where we don’t see this club condemning the fans for what they’re doing but instead telling them to refrain so they don’t get punished.
Here is the full statement.
“Scottish law punishes any act of violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance, especially during sporting events.
“We therefore appeal to the civic sense of the fans to avoid behaviour that can generate reactions from local authorities.
“In the same way, Lazio supporters are invited not to fall into provocations and not to provoke away fans in order to avoid putting at risk the safety and security of all the spectators present.
“Unfortunately, lately, despite repeated warnings, part of the supporters has become the protagonist of gestures and songs, including the Roman greetings or discriminatory songs against black players, which have generated economic and disciplinary sanctions against SS Lazio.
“In this sense, it is reiterated that, where similar behaviour is repeated, measures will be taken to defend the reputation and tradition of the club.
“It was recently announced that the SS Lazio was sanctioned with the closure of the Curva Nord for one match – and further sanctions will lead to the automatic closure of the entire Stadio Olimpico.”
Statement cited on RecordSport.
