I hate when soccer is only noticed by American media for violence (I feel the same way about hockey). But, stupidity, like what happened in Milan yesterday must be reported. Kudos to Jim Buzinski for reporting this ugly incident by some Italian fans in today's "Jock Talk". It was reported that Italian police were ready for trouble with fans between AC Milan and Inter Milan. However, flares out of the stands were something that the police did not expect. Incidentally, how does one smuggle an unlit flare into a stadium anyway? I mean, is it possible for something like this to occur at a North American stadium or is this just lax Italian security? Anyway, while the call disallowing the goal for Inter Milan was the wrong one, this hardly justified throwing lit flares onto the field. As reported, AC Milan goalkeeper, Dida was indeed hit on the left shoulder, and fortunately should be okay after being escorted off the field with both teams. But, this is just disgusting, and the Italian government and the European Union need to get heavily involved. In addition to this occurrence, many fans holding racial slogans were arrested this past weekend when they clashed with Italian police. This is the same country where many soccer fans held up an enormous banner at a stadium in Rome just a few years ago in opposition to Jewish fans: "Auschwitz Is Your Country; The Ovens Are Your Homes". In another incident in Italy, an amateur Jewish soccer team was attacked with metal bars and sticks. While past violence in such countries as England and Belgium has been somewhat curtailed, what is going to be done in Italy?



[ April 13, 2005, 02:05 PM: Message edited by: Cattledog ]

I too was shocked, horrified, and mystified by these events. I wondered too why someone would bring flares to a soccer match. And dozens of them were thrown onto the field. When I saw the footage of the goalie being struck with a flare, I was indeed horrified. Do people not think about consequences of their actions? This is even worse than the basketball incident last year with Detroit(?) fans.

There's a documentary film opening soon (getting its world premiere as the closing night film at the Hot Docs Film Festival in Toronto; the opening film is "Murderball," the doc about 'wheelchair rugby' that was a hit at Sundance), called "Heysel '85: Requiem for a Cup Final." Apparently, a riot broke out in the stands before the game and 38 people were trampled to death. Despite this, the game went on and Juventus beat Liverpool 1-0. Soccer violence (and racism) are amazing (in the bad sense), esp. considering the global appeal of the sport.

The violence in Milan was horrible but I wished something was thrown last night in Mexico City to stop the carnage.
CONCACAF Champions Cup Semi-final UNAM Pumas 5 - 0 DC United. Ouch. Pumas advance 6 - 1 on aggregate.
I still proudly wear my official MLS DC United tee.

Italian Government Imposes Zero Tolerance Rule

It's very sad that things like this happen. I hope that the fans in LA don't get any ideas- it would be especially sad to see this practice spread to the US.

Italy sadly seems to be behind England in the hooliganism aspect of soccer. The English Football Association works hard to prevent incidents like this from happening. Spain seems to also be behind- the racist supporters club for Real Madrid is just an example of how far behind Spain is.

The extremely sad thing about this most recent incident is that in 2003, Inter Milan and AC Milan, who share the San Siro stadium, played in the semifinals of the European Champions League with little disturbances.

I have to think the Italian government won't stand for this: the Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, is also the president of AC Milan.

Now this is also sad. Why someone would wear a DC United t-shirt is beyond me

GO METROS!

I don't understand mm13. Why would something like this spread in LA? :confused:

The newly created rivalry between the US-owned LA Galaxy and the Mexican-owned Chivas USA is bound to cause tension...especially because, like Inter and AC Milan, they share the same stadium (The Home Depot Center).

We have the same problem in Australia.

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/st...55E2862,00.html

Oh right mm13, I see your point.

Don't want to turn this into a political thread but the Greeks and Macedonians have been arguing over 3000 years, before soccer.

So the Galaxy were a 3 - 1 winner over Chivas USA on Saturday and no violence that I know of. Anyone hear any reports? I hope not. Well it looks like the Galaxy have home pitch bragging rights for now. I wish I got to see the end of the Revolution - United match. When I left it was 4 - 1 Revolution but United came close. It ended 4 - 3. frown

Wow, PSV Eindhoven beat AC Milan 3-1 yet does not go to the Champions Final. Match 1 in Milan they beat PSV 2-0. So the aggregate score is tied 3-3 but now comes out the ole "Away Goals" rule. PSV scored all 3 goals on home turf. AC Milan scored 2 at home and 1 away (in extra time). This gives them the advantage and sends them to the final in Istanbul to play Liverpool who beat out Chelsea. The Final is May 25th but who knows when it will be broadcast in the states. :confused:
REMINDER: USA v. England friendly in Chicago on May 28th.

Since this may eventually be related to soccer violence, I thought I'd post it here instead of starting a new thread. Soccer has a violent enough image as is.

From Jim Allen's comments in Jock Talk May 13, 2005:

Verbal abuse may only be the beginning. English enthusiasm for sport is legendary. Their anger about Iraq, for soccer fans at least, is only muted by their reserve. Xenophobia against poor immigrants has become less fashionable and sports could resume its role as the traditional outlet. Our sports violence here could look like a tea party.

All that being said, I have only one warning for ManU fans:

Whether it's Iraq or soccer, when you get into bed with US, be prepared to get screwed. Especially if there's a "Malcolm in the Middle". wink

The biggest problem with Glazer is that he is NOT in this for the soccer. Malcolm Glazer is not trying to make Man U a better team- that's next to impossible. He's not gonna try and be the new Roman Abrahimovich and put together a team of stars. Malcolm Glazer is trying to take over Man U because he knows one thing about them- they are the richest soccer team in the world. Glazer is in this for the money. That's what makes me mad, and that's what's making every Man U fan across the world but especially in England protest.

Glazer needs to stick with his American football and leave the Brits alone.