Clashes between football fans and authorities at the Rome Derby over the weekend injured 24 police officers, and the city mayor compared the violence to “city wars.”
Supporters attacked police with a riot device near Studio Olimpico before the Serie A match between Lazio and Rome kicked off Sunday at 8:45pm. Local authorities said one person was arrested and damaged a dump worth at least 40,000 euros.
“I’m tired of it,” said Rome Mayor Roberto Guartieri. “It’s unacceptable for hooligans to turn a day of sports into a city-game scene.”
Chaos broke out as hundreds of Roman supporters tried to confront Lazio’s ultra, near the Stadio Olimpico. Approximately 2,000 police officers were stationed at various flashpoints around the stadium, preventing fights between fans.
Lazio’s Ultra later tried to push away areas that were prohibited, and authorities launched fireworks and other objects. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons.
The two teams expressed solidarity with the injured officers and condemned the violence. The game ended 1-1, with Lazio in sixth place at the table and Roma in seventh place.
The Roman Derby recovered to the evening kickoff this season after a pre-6 year start time to avoid violence. However, the first derby of the season – January – was also undermined by Holyganism, with cars getting out near the stadium.
Italian media reported that next season’s game is likely to return to afternoon kickoff.
Lazio made a global headline when he fired the man who handled the Eagle mascot earlier this year – Falconer Juan Bernabe – posted a photo of his penis on social media after undergoing enhancement surgery.
