Platini backs Italian suspension

Platini backs Italian suspension

UEFA President Michel Platini has given his full backing to the Italian Football Federation's decision to suspend all footballing activity following the death of a police officer at Friday's Serie A match between Calcio Catania and US Città di Palermo.

'Heartfelt condolences'

"Firstly I extend my heartfelt personal condolences, together with those of the entire European football family, to the family of the police officer, Filippo Raciti, who lost his life yesterday," said Mr Platini. "Violence of any sort is unacceptable and it has absolutely no place in the game of football - we do not condone it, we must not accept it and we must act to eradicate it. That is why today UEFA offers its whole-hearted support for the actions taken by the FIGC's extraordinary commissioner, Luca Pancalli, to indefinitely suspend all international and domestic matches until further notice.

'Deep concern'

"Following the death of a Paris Saint-Germain FC supporter last year and the rioting of Feyenoord fans in Nancy, this latest episode further deepens our concern about violence creeping back into the game. We must now work together with the Italian football authorities and politicians in support of the Italian game, and find a solution to this spiral of violence that is plaguing European football," concluded Mr Platini.
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