Heading: Italy Bans Number 88 to Fight Anti-Semitism in Football
Italy has taken a stand against anti-Semitism in football by banning players from wearing the number 88. The Italian Football Association (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina and members of the government signed an agreement on Tuesday to prohibit the number, which can be a reference to a German Nazi slogan. This agreement is part of a larger initiative to fight racism and discrimination in sport.
Heading: What is the Significance of the Number 88?
The number 88 is often associated with neo-Nazi ideology. In Nazi Germany, the number 88 was used as a code for the letter “H”, which stands for “Heil Hitler”. This phrase was used as a greeting and a way to show allegiance to Hitler and his regime. The number has since been adopted by neo-Nazis and white supremacists as a symbol of their beliefs.
Heading: What Does the Agreement Entail?
The agreement signed by FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and members of the government states that players will not be allowed to wear the number 88 on their jerseys. It also allows for games to be interrupted “in the event of anti-Semitic chants, acts and expressions”. Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said that this agreement is “an adequate and effective response to an intolerable prejudice that still too often manifests itself in our stadiums”.
Heading: Examples of Anti-Semitic Incidents in Italian Football
In March, a fan wore a Lazio shirt with 88 on the back during the team’s win against Roma. Two other supporters were involved in another apparent anti-Semitic incident. In response, Lazio said that the three fans would be banned for life from attending games at Stadio Olimpico. This is just one example of how anti-Semitism has been present in Italian football.
Heading: Conclusion
The ban on the number 88 is an important step towards fighting anti-Semitism in Italian football. This agreement is part of a larger initiative to combat racism and discrimination in sport, and it is hoped that it will lead to a more inclusive environment for all fans. The Italian government and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina have taken a strong stance against anti-Semitism, and it is hoped that this will lead to a more tolerant atmosphere in Italian football stadiums.