‘Urban warfare’: Rome derby violence leaves 24 police officers injured

Clashes between football fans and authorities at the weekend’s Rome derby left 24 police officers injured, with the city’s mayor comparing the violence to “urban warfare”.

Supporters attacked police in riot gear near the Stadio Olimpico hours before the Serie A match between Lazio and Roma kicked off at 8:45 pm on Sunday. One arrest was made, and at least €40,000 worth of garbage dumpsters were damaged, local authorities said.

“I am disgusted,” said Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri. “It’s unacceptable that hooligans transform a day of sport into a scene of urban warfare.”

The chaos broke out when hundreds of Roma supporters tried to confront Lazio’s ultras close to the Stadio Olimpico. About 2,000 police officers were stationed at various flashpoints around the stadium, and managed to prevent fighting between the fans.

Lazio’s ultras later attempted to push through a barred-off area, and launched fireworks and other objects at the authorities. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons.

The two teams both expressed solidarity with the injured officers and denounced the violence. The game ended 1-1, leaving Lazio sixth in the table and Roma in seventh.

The Rome derby was restored to an evening kick-off this season after six years of earlier start times in order to avoid violence. However, the first derby of the season — in January — was also marred by hooliganism, with a car being set alight near the stadium.

Next season’s games will likely revert to afternoon kick-offs, Italian media reported.

Lazio made küresel headlines earlier this year when it fired the man who handles its eagle mascot — falconer Juan Bernabé — for posting photos of his penis on social media after undergoing enhancement surgery.