ROME, Sept 4 - The Italian government will have
zero tolerance of hooliganism after violence marred Napoli's 1-1
Serie A draw at AS Roma, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said
on Thursday.
Napoli fans were banned from away games for the rest of the
season after a train was ransacked on Sunday, causing 500,000
euros ($725,900) worth of damage.
"We'll have no tolerance of those who commit violent and
criminal acts especially if carried out in a mob," Berlusconi
told a news conference.
Local media said the Italian Soccer Federation may close
Napoli's San Paolo Stadium for several games but Berlusconi, who
also owns AC Milan, said it would be unfair to punish the club.
"I don't think Napoli, who have no blame, should be
prosecuted for having indirect responsibility (for the
trouble)," he said.
Italy has a serious hooligan problem. Last year a policeman
and a fan of Rome club Lazio were killed in separate incidents.
(Writing by Paul Virgo, editing by Tony Jimenez)