FIGC President Gravina: ‘Racism in stadiums? Imbeciles by culture’
The FIGC President Gabriele Gravina spoke about the problem of racism in stadiums, the new VAR room and the upcoming match between Italy and Spain in the UEFA Nations League.
The FIGC President was present at the inauguration of the new VAR room in Lissone and spoke to the press.
“Everything is channeled and wired and we took this opportunity to give the referees this center,” Gravina said, according to TMW.
“Italy was among the first in the world to launch the idea of technology, both with VAR and with Goal Line Technology.
“We are a model and we want to spread this message, we are not afraid of innovation, without taking away the judgements of the referees.”
Gravina was asked about the fans returning to the stadiums and revealed he’s enjoying the moment.
“I’m enthusiastic, life is back in stadiums and enjoying the spectacle of the match is important,” he continued.
“There’s still that small percentage that I hope can arrive quickly, but I’m happy. It will soon reach 75 per cent, the clubs are starting to have some more revenue, even if what they lost will not be recovered.
“It’s no coincidence that we are asking the government for an industrial plan to contain costs. We want rules that represent useful tools to overcome the problems.”
But it’s not all rosy with fans back in stadiums, as Kalidou Koulibaly was one of many incidents of racial abuse yesterday.
“The imbeciles are idiots by culture,” Gravina responded. “Not by vocation. We are trying to think of more stringent rules, but the problem is education.
“An investigation has been opened, we will see. If modern stadiums will be used circumvent the problem? We are trying to encourage modernisation throughout the country, also for the financial statements of the various clubs.”
Italy are currently preparing to face Spain in the UEFA Nations League semi-final, almost three months after going all the way in the European Championship.
“The national team has made their mark, they don’t live for the Final result but to play and have fun,” Gravina added.
“We care about this competition in a particular way, we know Spanish football, it will be an intense and spectacular match. We hope to win like in the European Championship.”