Reports in Italy indicate that Juventus are likely to face punishment after a section of their supporters failed to respectfully observe a minute’s silence in remembrance of Inter and Italy legend Sandro Mazzola.
Juventus expected to be punished after failing to respect Mazzola tribute
Mazzola, widely considered one of the greatest Italian footballers of all time, died at the age of 83 on Saturday.
Serie A clubs paid their respects with a minute’s silence ahead of their league fixtures over the weekend, but Bianconeri supporters in the Allianz Stadium’s Curva Sud decided to spoil the pre-match tribute.
Sections of fans decided to turn their backs towards the pitch and sang chants remembering some of their own club legends including Gaetano Scirea, Andrea Fortunato and Gianni Agnelli.
Other sections of the Juventus stadium responded with a round of applause in an attempt to drown out the noise from the Curva Sud.
Juventus faced immediate backlash after the incident and subsequently released their own statement condemning the supporters involved for their ‘lack of respect’.
“Honouring the memory of those being remembered and coming together in remembrance during moments of commemoration is a shared responsibility that transcends allegiances and colours,” read Juve’s statement.
“No rivalry can justify a lack of respect during a minute’s silence.”
Now, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, it is likely that Juventus will face the consequences for their supporters’ actions.
It is expected that they will face sanctions when the report from the FIGC sporting judge is published on Tuesday.
It remains to be seen exactly how the Old Lady will be punished. The club could face a fine starting from €50,000, and in the most extreme circumstance, could be forced to temporarily close the Curva Sud.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that it seems unlikely that the whole stand will be closed for the club’s next home match, against Lazio in October, but nothing has been definitively ruled out at this stage.
