Football: disturbances before Bologna-Celtic match, 47 reported and one arrest

Rome, 23 January (LaPresse) – Forty-seven people have been reported for disorderly conduct prior to the Bologna Celtic Europa League match. One arrest. Yesterday afternoon, before the start of the Europa League match between Bologna FC and Celtic, a group of 50 Scottish supporters, ignoring the procedures and routes organised by the authorities for reaching the Renato Dall’Ara stadium, gathered near Bar Dalla, in Via Andrea Costa, a well-known meeting place for local ultras. Following verbal provocations by the Scottish fans towards a group of about thirty local fans, a brawl broke out, lasting several minutes, during which glass bottles were thrown and leather belts were used. The DIGOS (Special Operations Division) and the State Police immediately intervened, blocking the groups of troublemakers and then escorting them to the police station. Forty-one Scottish citizens, one Irish citizen and five Italian citizens were identified and reported to the judicial authorities for the crimes of brawling and throwing dangerous objects during sporting events. One Scottish citizen was arrested for aggravated resistance to a public official. Police Chief Gaetano Bonaccorso issued four Daspo orders and 41 mandatory expulsion orders, all of which were served. No further incidents were reported during the event. The adoption of further measures prohibiting access to sports facilities is currently being evaluated.