Italian soccer teams could face fines for fans’ anti-Semitic actions

ROME, Dec. 6 (JTA) — Italy’s soccer federation has launched an investigation against two soccer teams after fans unfurled anti-Semitic banners at a match last week in Rome. The two teams, Lazio and Roma, could face fines of the equivalent of $30,000. Italy’s sports code makes teams responsible for fans who use banners or signs that encourage racism or violence. “Auschwitz Is Your Homeland, the Ovens Are Your Homes,” read a banner unfurled in the stands by Lazio fans. Roma fans in turn displayed an anti-Semitic sign that used Nazi and Holocaust imagery. “It’s a very serious matter that can’t pass unobserved,” said Sandro Di Castro, president of the Rome Jewish community. “Maybe it is just the work of a handful of idiots, but nonetheless the enormity of the question is clear.” Meanwhile, a senior Italian politician suggested that soccer matches where fans display anti-Semitic or racist banners should be suspended. “A sign of resoluteness is necessary,” said Luciano Violante, the president of Italy’s lower house of Parliament. Violante was speaking at a conference held Dec. 3 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the imposition of fascist-era anti-Semitic laws in Italy. The president of the Italian soccer federation condemned the use of racism by fans but said he did not think that suspending games would resolve the problem.