Govt Pledges Action After Police Injured in Pre-Derby Clashes

Rome: Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has promised the government will take “every additional measure necessary” to protect police after 13 officers were injured in clashes on Sunday while trying to keep apart hardcore ultra fans of AS Roma and Lazio before the derby between the two Serie A teams.

According to Ansa News Agency, Piantedosi also mentioned a demonstration that turned violent in Milan and clashes with police trying to shut down an illegal rave in Turin over the weekend. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement officials during public events.

Police union Coisp expressed frustration, stating that sporting events have frequently become “war fronts” for law enforcement. The union criticized the decision to play the derby in the evening rather than earlier in the day, arguing that this scheduling made their job more difficult.

“It is unacceptable to continue to follow the demands of television at the detriment of safety,” said Coisp Secretary Domenico Pianese. The union is calling for a reevaluation of event scheduling to prioritize the safety of both police and the public.