Italian Parliament Bans No.88 Shirt in Football Due to Neo-Nazi Connotations
The Italian parliament has taken a significant step towards stopping anti-semitism by banning the no.88 shirt from being worn in football. The move comes after the minister for sport and youth, and the minister for the interior signed a declaration of intent to ban the shirt number. The number has been used by neo-Nazi groups to symbolise ‘Heil Hitler’ with the letter H being the eighth number of the alphabet.
The new rule will span Serie A and all lower leagues, stopping a number that has previously been worn by Gianluigi Buffon while at Parma. Gokhan Inler and Hernanes have all also worn the number during their time in Italy, while Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic will have to pick a new shirt before the start of the season.
Why Ban the No.88 Shirt?
The no.88 shirt has been used by neo-Nazi groups to symbolise ‘Heil Hitler’ with the letter H being the eighth number of the alphabet. The move to ban the shirt number is part of a document that looks to make various commitments to help stop anti-semitism. One of them will prohibit clubs from assigning the no.88 shirt.
The minister of the interior, Matteo Piantedosi, said in a statement: “With this document, the reference to the international definition of antisemitism is implemented. Thus, there is the prohibition of the use of symbols reminiscent of Nazism by fans, the obligation for members to use non-discriminatory language at all public events and the definition of the methods for the suspension of matches in case of incidents of discrimination.”
The proactive attitude of the clubs in this area will also be positively assessed.”
Gianluigi Buffon once dropped the number after complaints, saying: “I am ready to change numbers if that will help. I didn’t know the hidden meaning of 88.”
Lazio Fan Banned for Life
In March this year, a Lazio fan was banned from the Stadio Olympico for life after he was photographed wearing an 88 shirt with the name ‘Hitlerson’ on the back during the Rome derby. New laws would prohibit Lazio from printing such a shirt, and the club also banned two other supporters after the game for performing fascist salutes in the stands.
In a similarly sickening episode in 2017, Lazio were fined £43,520 for stickers at the Rome derby which showed holocaust victim Anne Frank and the words: ‘Roma fans are Jews’.
The move to ban the no.88 shirt is a significant step towards stopping anti-semitism in football. The proactive attitude of the clubs in this area will also be positively assessed.