Derby Chaos: Sampdoria Game Behind Closed Doors After Violence

Following severe fan clashes during the Genoa-Sampdoria Coppa Italia derby, both Genoa and Sampdoria are expected to play their upcoming home games behind closed doors, as reported by Gazzetta.it.

This decision comes after 36 law enforcement officers were injured in violent scenes involving 600 hooligans. Fans of both clubs are also likely to be banned from attending the next three away games.

The National Observatory on Sporting Events is pushing for stringent sanctions, with Genoa set to face Juventus without supporters and Sampdoria travelling to Modena without fan backing. Authorities are determined to send a message after the Marassi neighbourhood was essentially held hostage by violent individuals following Wednesday’s match.

The sanctions are expected to be made official today after a review by Genoa Prefect Cinzia Torraco. Given her stern warning before the derby (“All violent conduct will be handled firmly and prosecuted criminally and administratively”), the punishment is expected to be severe. Due to the actions of 600 hooligans, nearly 50,000 season ticket holders of Genoa and Sampdoria could face the consequences, likely missing all October matches. If the maximum penalty is applied, Genoa fans would return on October 31, and Sampdoria fans on November 2.

The tension had been brewing even before kickoff, and the situation escalated post-match, with burning dumpsters, ambushes, and clashes involving riot police.

Follow us on Twitter / X Here – delivering European Football News Daily

Unacceptable Fan Behavior

The violence was largely attributed to a group of Genoa and Marseille ultras, with two Marseille supporters arrested. The clashes were ignited after Genoa fans displayed flags stolen from Sampdoria supporters earlier this year. The situation got so out of hand that water cannons were deployed for the first time in Genoa since the G8 protests in 2001.

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi condemned the violence, stating: “”What happened during the Genoa-Samp derby has nothing to do with football and the values ​​that this sport can convey. Unacceptable episodes committed by those who go to the stadium with the sole purpose of fueling disorder.

“My solidarity and my closeness to all the police officers who were injured. We are determined to combat any form of violence against our police forces. This is also why the Government, with the bill approved in first reading in the Chamber, has set as a priority more incisive measures to protect them”.

Both clubs are expected to face further sanctions, with the Marassi stadium likely to be closed for up to two matches. As a result, Genoa will miss hosting Juventus and Bologna, while Sampdoria may play Juve Stabia and Mantova without their fans.

Site Opinion – Harsh Sanctions, but Necessary

The decision to close the stadiums for Genoa and Sampdoria’s next home games is unfortunate but necessary. Fan violence has no place in football, and the events at Marassi were a step too far. Though this decision will punish most well-behaved fans, it sends a strong message that such conduct won’t be tolerated.

These sanctions will be a significant disruption for both clubs, especially considering their passionate home support. However, ensuring safety must take precedence, and hopefully, these measures will prevent further violence in the future.