MILAN, Italy -- Lazio and Ternana were fined Tuesday but
avoided home stadium bans after one of the worst weekends of soccer
violence in Italy this season.
Lazio received a $32,445 fine and an official warning after its
fans chanted fascist slogans and waved neo-Nazi banners during a
match against rival Livorno.
Second-division Ternana was hit with a $38,935 penalty and also
warned following its match against Perugia, during which objects
were thrown at opposing fans and police.
Seventeen fans were arrested and 259 later identified and
charged over the violence following the weekend games in Rome,
Palermo, Udine, Cava dei Tirreni and Perugia. On Monday, interior
minister Giuseppe Pisanu said stadiums could be shut down if fan
violence continues.
The league said it was still investigating Messina after several
fans were arrested, accused of hurling objects at police inside the
stadium during the game with Sicilian rival Palermo. A statement
said "a more detailed account of the facts" was needed before
deciding on a punishment.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito said efforts should be made to
"isolate the fringes of fans" that promote violence and racism.
"We are not unrelated from those who do not respect the rules,
morals and sporting oaths. Teams do need to do more on clashes
between fans and players though," he said.