Catania, Italy
Sicilian soccer hooligans bludgeoned a police officer to death this week, prompting a two-week moratorium on Italy’s favorite sport. The riots began outside the Catania stadium after Palermo beat Catania, 2–1. When police tried to break up the fighting with tear gas, fans from both sides attacked the cops, killing Filippo Raciti, 38. Many Italians were convulsed in a paroxysm of self-blame, bemoaning the sorry state of culture, morals, and sportsmanship. The head of Italy’s football league, Antonio Matarrese, though, had a different view. “Deaths, unfortunately, form part of this huge movement that is football,” he said. “We are pained, but the show must go on.” Italian leaders denounced Matarrese’s comments as tasteless.
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