Lazio fan boycott explained, as Lotito ‘will not accept intimidation’

Lazio President Claudio Lotito responded angrily to the fan boycott that left the Stadio Olimpico practically empty against Lecce. ‘I do not accept intimidation.’

You can follow all the action as it happens from Lazio vs. Lecce on the Liveblog.

This was meant to be a big occasion at the Stadio Olimpico, especially as it represented the debut of the new eagle mascot, named Flaminia, after the well-known problems around the previous mascot and handler.

However, there were very few people there to see it fly around the arena, because of a protest organised by the Curva Nord ultras.

This was because ostensibly the fans wanted to invite the grand-daughter of Vincenzo Paparelli to the centre circle to view a tifo in his honour.

Paparelli was a 33-year-old Lazio fan who was killed during the derby in October 1979 when a firework launched from the Roma supporters struck him.

According to the ultras, the club banned them from inviting her and also did not approve the choreography.

Lazio insist the matter has been twisted, and that these fans went through the wrong channels to get the banners approved.

President Lotito spoke to Sky Sport Italia ahead of kick-off and further explained his view of the situation.

“I think fans ought to be fans, respectful of the rules, and give constructive criticism so we can all work together to achieve results,” said the patron.

“This strike was built upon an initial premise that was completely false. They said that we denied Paparelli’s grand daughter the opportunity to be on the pitch. It is totally false.

“The real problem is that there were four representatives of the ultras who wanted to be on the pitch and we considered it inopportune in light of the general situation.

“We respected, honoured and welcomed Paparelli’s family to the VIP section of the stadium. This is just being twisted to seek a role that does not exist in the rapport between fans and club.

“The fans must be fans and respect the club. If people use this situation to coerce others into backing them, then I will not stand for it, and I do not accept intimidation.

“People who are preventing fans from coming to watch Lazio are not real fans, they are doing it for their own ends.”