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Riot: Fans mourn cop killing
05/02/2007 16:11 - (SA)
Andrew Roberts
Milan - Thousands of mourners flocked to a cathedral in the Sicilian city of Catania on Monday for the funeral of a policeman whose death in a soccer riot has shocked Italy and prompted calls for new measures to curb stadium violence.
Pope Benedict XVI expressed his "spiritual closeness" to the family of 38-year-old Filippo Raciti, who was killed during street clashes at the Catania-Palermo Serie A match on Friday.
"In reiterating his firm condemnation for any act of violence that stains the world of soccer, the Holy Father urges protagonists to promote respect for legality with greater determination," the pope said in a telegram of condolences that was read during the funeral.
In a sign of respect, people applauded as Raciti's coffin, draped in the Italian flag, was carried inside the Duomo Cathedral followed by his youngest son dressed in a police uniform.
"I only hope that your death will push society to make changes," Raciti's teenage daughter, Fabiana, said during a tearful speech.
Italy's sports and interior ministers planned to meet later on Monday with top soccer and sports administrators to discuss long-term measures to curb fan violence.
The Italian soccer federation postponed all games over the weekend following the rioting. The federation also cancelled Wednesday's friendly between Italy and Romania.
According to Italian news reports, measures that are being considered include barring organised groups of fans from following their teams at away games, stiffening penalties and limiting the number of fans allowed in stadiums whose security measures are considered lax.
Officials are also considering extending the suspension of league play to next weekend, reports said.
- SAPA
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