In a decisive move to address escalating violence against match officials, the Italian government has passed legislation granting referees the same legal protections afforded to police and other public servants.
Sports Minister Andrea Abodi confirmed the development on Saturday, saying the change to Italy’s penal code would impose stricter penalties for aggression towards referees – including pushing, hitting, or issuing threats. Offenders could now face criminal charges and potential jail time.
The reform comes after sustained pressure from the Italian Soccer Referees Association and growing alarm over the treatment of officials across the country, particularly in grassroots and youth football.
“Referees are vital to the integrity of sport,” Abodi said. “They deserve to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.”
The legislation, approved on Friday as part of a government decree, extends protection to all individuals tasked with maintaining fairness and order in sporting events. It aims to send a strong signal that attacks on referees will be met with serious legal consequences.
The issue of referee abuse has come to the fore in recent months. In a symbolic protest in December, Serie A referees took to the pitch with black smudges on their cheeks to draw attention to the growing threat they face. One case that sparked national outrage involved teenager Diego Alfonzetti, who was assaulted while officiating a youth match in Sicily.
Alfonzetti later received public support during a Serie A derby between Lazio and Roma, where he was honoured alongside other officials as a message of solidarity.
“Sport is about loyalty and shared values,” said Senator Andrea Ostellari, Undersecretary for Justice. “Those who bring violence into sport are warned: from now on, aggression against referees will be punished swiftly and severely.”
The Italian government hopes this move will serve as both a deterrent and a cultural reset for sporting conduct in the country.
