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UAF condemns Rome fascist anti-Semitic violence

By News Desk
November 29 2012

 

 

 

UAF wholeheartedly condemns the anti-Semitic, violent attacks and stabbings on Tottenham Hotspur supporters in the Drunken Ship pub in Rome. The attack took place in the early hours of Thursday 22 November. The perpetrators have been widely reported as fascists, a combination of Lazio’s “Ultras” notorious for their far right associations, and AS Roma fans. Italian local residents told media reporters they heard the assailants screaming “Jews”.

A British embassy spokesman said “nine or 10″ Britons were taken to hospital after being set upon in a bar late on Wednesday night by a much larger band of Italians wielding iron bars, paving stones, spanners, knives and other weapons. The pub was destroyed as a result of the attack.

The attack took place ahead of the Europa League match between Lazio and Spurs. During the match its has been widely reported that some of the Lazio supporters were chanting “Juden Tottenham”.

UEFA fined Lazio over just £32,500 after their fans shouted racist abuse at black Spurs footballers, during their earlier tie in September at White Hart Lane. Some Lazio fans were caught seig heiling and imitating monkeys on their way from Liverpool Street station to Tottenham.

Sabby Dhalu, UAF Joint Secretary said:

“Our thoughts are with the victims of this terrible crime and their loved ones. We wish them a swift recovery. It seems that this was a planned horrific attack by neo-fascist football supporters – Lazio’s “Ultras” and AS Roma fans, who targeted Spurs fans because of Tottenham’s association with local Jewish communities. The Ultras have a notorious history of fascist inspired violence. Over the years they have often expressed their support for Nazis and on various occasions flying SS Style banners in the ground. We call on the police and authorities in Rome to ensure the perpetrators of this attack are brought to justice. The chants of “Juden Tottenham” inside the Stadio Olimpico, require tough swift action by UEFA as they did in September. UEFA as the governing body of football in Europe must send a message loud and clear: racism and anti-Semitism will not be tolerated.”

Originally Published by UAF

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