Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – MEP Carolina Morace emphasized the seriousness of the Milan investigation into ultras linked to organized crime, urging clubs to distance themselves from such behaviours.
Police in Milan have apprehended 19 people as part of an operation against hardcore “ultra” football fans, most of whom were blamed for having links to the mafia. Among those apprehended were Luca Lucci and Renato Bosetti, leaders of the AC Milan and Inter Milan ultras respectively.
Carolina Morace, a Member of the European Parliament from the 5 Star Movement, expressed in a note that the investigation in Milan concerning the ultras leaders of Inter and Milan and their connections with organized crime is serious and should not be underestimated. She stated that she is familiar with the world of the curves and emphasized that such individuals need to be isolated, asserting that the true fans are different and that many ultras organize their support for their favourite team in a professional and selfless manner.
What prompted the investigation into ultras in Milan?
The investigation started after the murder of Antonio Bellocco, a strong member of the ’Ndrangheta crime syndicate, in early September. Bellocco was slain during a fight outside a Milan boxing gym, allegedly by Andrea Beretta, one of Bosetti’s predecessors. Beretta had a leading function in the Inter Milan ultras, understood as the Curva Nord after the career criminal Vittorio Boiocchi was hit dead outside his home in October 2022. Italy’s finance police stated the charges included
“criminal conspiracy exacerbated by mafia methods, extortion, assault and other serious crimes”.
How can football clubs distance themselves from criminal elements?
Carolina Morace noted that football clubs also bear significant responsibility and must completely distance themselves from such behaviors to sever the ties that indirectly support these economic speculations. She emphasized that the passion for sport should not be tainted by these illicit activities.
