I BIANCOROSSI
twelve o’clock, April 28, 2021 – 11:03 am
Heavy protest by fans at the San Nicola after the defeats in the league. The president of the Lega Pro is embittered: “I hope it remains an isolated episode”
of Weather in Pasquale Caputi
A worrying escalation, a tension that was first latent, then evident. Until the episode that yesterday shocked the Bari of the ball, with a protest banner with macabre outlines. “If you don’t believe us, you will do this”, read the banner affixed to the outside of the San Nicola stadium. Complete with a hanging pig’s head. The meaning is clear: it is not a simple invitation, but a disturbing warning. At the base of everything, the disappointment and anger for the results of Bari, also defeated on Sunday against Turris. A knockout that arises at the height of a negative streak that is not consistent with the expectations placed by the square. But no one expected discontent to take on these tones. The banner, found around 12, obviously became the subject of an investigation by the police. The hypothesis is that the responsibility for the gesture lies with some members of the organized supporters, even if it is not yet known which group. It is likely that the episode, however, is closely linked to the dispute which the team was subjected to on Sunday, on their return from Torre del Greco. On the highway, near an overpass near Bitonto, the bus was hit by smoke bombs.
No damage
Fortunately, no damage, but a considerable risk not only for the players and managers, but also for the passengers of other cars present. As if that were not enough, the attentions of the Digos are directed to another episode, which occurred on Saturday evening on the Bari ring road, near the Poggiofranco exit. Another banner, apparently distant in tone and content from yesterday’s, read «United and stronger than those who want us dead. Be wary present ». It could be a reference to the daspo issued against 11 fans of Bari and seven of Lecce after some scuffles that occurred last year in Cerignola. The presence, for a few days now, of police patrols, both during matches and training sessions, confirms the maximum alert. Meanwhile, the episode was harshly stigmatized by Antonio Decaro. «I am a passionate fan – said the mayor of Bari – and I am the mayor of this city. This is why I am the first to be disappointed and embittered by the team’s results. But no disappointment, not even the most bitter, can justify a broken, vulgar protest with an intimidating symbolism, like the one put in place by some fans ». The mayor Antonio Decaro concludes as follows: “A behavior to be blamed also because it is completely counterproductive, as it makes even the vast majority of Bari fans and their vehement but civil protest go wrong, offering a convenient alibi to those towards whom this protest is addressed ».
Ghirelli: this is not football
«This episode has nothing to do with football. It is not right that a violent and criminal act should ruin the harmony around what is still a game ». Thus the president of the Lega Pro, Francesco Ghirelli, after the threats to the Bari players who, at the San Nicola stadium, found a severed pig’s head and an intimidating banner. “I really want to hope that this remains an isolated episode, that president De Laurentiis and the Bari players can continue the championship in an atmosphere of serenity and safety,” concludes Ghirelli.
April 28, 2021 | 11:03
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