Juventus have been fined €10,000 by Serie A after a section of their supporters disrupted a minute of silence held in honour of former Italy international Sandro Mazzola before Tuesday’s home match against Atalanta. Mazzola, one of the most respected figures in Italian football, died on Saturday at the age of 83. He spent most of his playing career with Inter Milan and also represented Italy at international level.
Before kick-off in Turin, players and supporters observed a minute of silence for the former forward. However, the moment was interrupted by some members of the Juventus support. Shouts could be heard from part of the crowd, while some supporters in the South Stand turned their backs towards the pitch. Other fans inside the stadium responded by applauding during the tribute.
Serie A later confirmed that Juventus had been fined €10,000 because a small section of the supporters in the South Stand failed to properly observe the minute of silence. The incident has also led Juventus to speak publicly about the importance of showing respect during such occasions.
In a statement titled “Respect and Sportsmanship”, the club made it clear that football rivalry should not take away from moments meant to honour people who have passed away. “No rivalry can justify a lack of respect during a minute’s silence,” Juventus said. The club added that remembering those who have died and joining together during moments of commemoration is a responsibility shared by everyone, regardless of which team they support.
Mazzola’s death brought tributes from across Italian football. He was an important figure in Inter’s history and played a major role for Italy during his international career. For Juventus, the fine serves as a reminder that while rivalries are an important part of football culture, there are moments when supporters are expected to put those rivalries aside and show respect.
