By John Moses
Referees in Italy will now enjoy the same legal protection as police officers and public officials, following a major legislative reform aimed at tackling increasing violence and abuse in sport, particularly football.
The country’s Sports Minister, Andrea Abodi, announced the change over the weekend, highlighting that a revised penal code will impose far tougher penalties – including potential imprisonment – for individuals who physically assault, threaten, or harass match officials.
“This is about restoring respect and safety for those who ensure fairness in sport,” said Abodi, noting that the move follows months of negotiations between the government and the Italian Soccer Referees Association.
The reform, approved on Friday as part of a broader government decree, extends legal protections to all sports officials involved in the organisation and regulation of matches across all levels of competition.
Incidents of abuse towards referees have surged in recent years, prompting widespread concern in Italian football. In December, top-flight referees wore black marks on their faces during Serie A matches in a coordinated protest against increasing hostility and attacks.
One especially alarming incident occurred in Sicily last season, when 19-year-old referee Diego Alfonzetti was assaulted while officiating a youth football match. In a gesture of support, Alfonzetti was later invited onto the pitch before a Serie A fixture between Lazio and Roma in April.
Commenting on the new legal protections, Junior Justice Minister Senator Andrea Ostellari warned that violent behaviour would no longer be tolerated: “Sport is about fairness and unity. Those who reject this principle will now face immediate and severe consequences – including prison.”
The Italian government hopes that by strengthening legal safeguards, it can restore respect for referees and ensure the safety of officials at all levels of the sport.
