The World Jewish Congress demands that Lazio be banned from Europe in the event of further racist or anti-Semitic chants or behavior at their ground. In a communiqué the president of the WJC Ronald Lauder expressed his shock and disgust after the most recent anti-Semitic chants by the Lazio fans during the match against Tottenham.
Fines inadequate
Lauder asked UEFA to take strong measures against Lazio should they fail to prevent the anti-Semitic attacks and actions of their fans during matches. It appears - stated the president of the WJC - that all the costly campaigns against racism carried out in the last few years by UEFA, FIFA and other organizations have been a failure, at least amongst the Lazio fans. The only way of preventing such behaviour is to impose tough penalties on those clubs that fail to take their responsibility for their fans seriously. This problem of racism amongst the Lazio fans is not something new - concluded Lauder - and it should be taken more seriously by everyone. It is clear that fines are no longer enough".
Abete apologizes
The president of the Italian Football Association Giancarlo Abete wrote a letter of apology to his English counterpart David Bernstein after the attack by extremist Lazio fans.
In his letter the president of the FIGC repeated his support for the Tottenham fans. In addition to his strong condemnation of the "disgusting attack" that took place the night before last in Rome, he apologized on behalf of the FIGC and the whole of the Italian football world. Abete stated that it was a racist attack: "this was unquestionably the motive for an attack that does not reflect the friendly traditions of the city of Rome for all visitors".
In his letter Abete also hoped that those responsible would be brought to justice: "Yet again unfortunately football has provided an opportunity for a group of hooligans to give vent to their absurd anti-Semitic racism. This was a disgusting attack that tarnishes the reputation of our football. I have already publicly expressed, together with the local authorities and representatives of Rome's citizens, my firm condemnation of and disgust over what happened, also on behalf of the FIGC, and I ask you to apologize on our behalf to all of the Tottenham fans and above all to the families of the victims of the attacks. I shall follow the police investigations personally - Abete promised in the letter to his English counterpart - and you may contact me at any time for whatever information or assistance you may require".
