Rome Does Not Deserve the CL Final

By Brian Lofrumento | 12th March 2009

Rome Does Not Deserve the CL Final | read this item

roma-disappointed One of the biggest news items of this year came when Wembley was awarded the 2011 Champions League final. The 2009 final, of course, is scheduled to be held in Rome. I can’t help but question UEFA’s choice on this one, as Rome has been plagued with fan violence in recent years. Yesterday’s Roma v Arsenal match only cemented my feelings.

Unfortunate news out of Italy reveals that at least one Arsenal fan was stabbed by an Ultra. A coach carrying Arsenal fans before the game was attacked by a group of Roma Ultras outside the Stadio Olimpico. The coach’s windows were smashed by the hooligans and one Roma fan even made his way onto the bus, lighting off a flare and stabbing an Arsenal fan.

This is nothing new for Roma fans as there were two separate incidents in 2007 when Manchester United squared off against the Italian side. In these two incidents sixteen United fans were stabbed outside of the ground.

Following yet another incident, rumors are floating around that UEFA could pull the plug on Rome this year. I for one hope that this is the case, as FIFA’s push in recent years has been a zero tolerance rule for fan violence and racism. By awarding the Champions League final to Rome, where violence seems to be the norm, is outrageous and sends the wrong signal.

UEFA have plenty of time between now and May to find a suitable replacement for this year’s Champions League final. Football is a festival of fun, a sport where fans from around the world can collaborate and enjoy the splendid performances on display. In Rome, the visiting supporters are more concerned for their safety than watching their team play beautiful football, and the Champions League final should not be marred by such violence. Let’s hope UEFA can sort this one out!

It’s a heated debate, so have your say in the comments section below! Tune in to Episode 13 of the Premiership Talk Podcast for a Champions League roundup. Listen live this Sunday or download it immediately following the episode.