Catania FC

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• Founded:1946
• Manager:Marco Giampaolo

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Italy to introduce fan cards

17 Aug 2009 - 09:54:14

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Italian football fans have been told they must join a membership scheme if they wish to travel to away games.

The Italian government has unveiled plans for an identity card scheme which will come into effect from January 1 in response to the hooliganism and violent scenes which have marred some Serie A games in recent seasons.

Referring to the death of Italian policeman Filippo Raciti following clashes between rival Catania and Palermo fans in February 2007, interior minister Roberto Maroni said: "Severe measures were put in place against violence in stadiums after the death of Raciti, which led to a decrease in injuries and arrests.

"That shows that strictness pays and for next season we intend to continue on this path, pressing on with the use of the supporter's card.

"I hope the new measures serve to win over the unreasonable resistance of some football clubs."