Morgana: "A change of pace is needed to restore serenity in the fields"

The growing climate of tension that is being recorded on playing fields in Sicily and beyond calls for deep reflection and more decisive action on the front of prevention and sports culture.

In an official statement, the president of the Regional Committee of Sicily of the National Amateur League, Sandro Morgana, urges the entire movement to respect the rules and values of sport.

"The incidents – Morgana states – that have been occurring in recent weeks on football fields, not only in Sicily, worry us deeply. Amateur football thrives thanks to the daily commitment of thousands of managers, coaches, referees, and volunteers, and it is our duty to defend this heritage from any form of tension or violence."

Morgana emphasizes that the issues are not limited to what happens during matches. "Unfortunately, we must acknowledge that moments of high tension do not occur only on the playing field, but increasingly often also in underpasses, locker rooms, and stands, places that should instead be spaces of respect and civil discourse. All of this is happening away from the eyes of those responsible for enforcing the rules."

In recent days, the intervention of federal sports justice bodies has also become necessary, in a context that risks getting out of control.

"These events are unacceptable – Morgana continues – they take us back in time and indicate a distressing and discouraging absence of sports culture, especially at a time when great efforts are being made to promote the values of transparency, legality, and ethics. Incidents like these foster an atmosphere that does not align with the aforementioned values, and it is clear that a collective effort is needed to restore serenity on our fields. My role is precisely that of education and prevention, of calling for a greater sense of respect and responsibility."

The head of LND Sicily announces concrete measures.

"We will intensify the activities of the anti-violence units, which represent an important tool for oversight and prevention in our facilities. It is an absolute priority, but it is equally clear that a further change of pace is needed from the entire system. I reiterate this strongly. The data continues to indicate a general improvement in this direction, but personally, as long as there is even one act of violence, we will have a problem."

In her speech, Morgana also expresses solidarity for the serious incident that occurred in Sardinia, where a 17-year-old female referee was assaulted during a match in a youth championship, a case firmly denounced by the Italian Referees Association.

"Our full support goes to that girl. Such episodes deeply wound football and its values. In this context, the cowardly assault on referee Carpinteri from Syracuse, during the Third Category match between the teams of Rosolini and Più forte Ragazzi, causes strong indignation and condemnation from everyone. We will leave no stone unturned to shed full light on these events, and I am sure they will be adequately assessed by the sports judiciary, without losing sight of the possibility of reporting to the competent authorities for their own appropriate evaluations."

"We are truly working and fighting for a more peaceful football, far from episodes of violence, but unfortunately, we must acknowledge that this is not the case at all levels. We must all be aware that non-violence is perfectly compatible with competition and victories; in fact, it represents their natural condition. Winning while respecting the rules and opponents is the true meaning of sport. Everything is manageable if there is responsibility from managers, coaches, players, fans, and families."