The president of the Italian Football Association (FIGC) has sent a letter of apology to FA chairman David Bernstein following a "disgraceful attack" on Tottenham fans in Rome.
Two men have been charged with attempted murder after 50 masked thugs launched an assault on Spurs fans at a bar in Campo dei Fiori in central Rome at 1am on Thursday. Ashley Mills, 25, was stabbed in the leg and head, with at least 10 other fans and bystanders injured, and now FIGC president Giancarlo Abete has expressed his firm condemnation of violence widely reported to be motivated by anti-semitism.
"Once again, football has given a handful of delinquents the excuse to take out their racist and anti-semite anger," an FIGC statement read.
"There is evidence of this undoubted motive, which is detrimental to the image of Italian football and doesn't match with the traditional hospitality and welcome of the city of Rome.
"The city authorities and I publicly express our firm condemnation, with my personal indignation at these events.
"I beg you to send our apologies to all Tottenham's fans - and in particular to those families directly involved.
"I will personally follow the investigation's development and remain at your disposal should my assistance in any further matters be required."
Source: PA
