It’s not mainly because of volleyball but due to some cultural differences (?) between North and South Italy with Castellana in the southern part and Segrate up north near Milan.
The incident took place less than 2 weeks ago during an A2 match between Segrate and Castellana. Supporters from both sides cheered for their team BUT the atmosphere in the gym started to become hostile when Segrate started screaming racist chants towards their counterparts. The chants were so loud that people watching at home could hear them.
They were chanting “Welcome to Italy!” as if Castellana supporters do not belong in Italia. The verbal attacks didn’t stop inside the gym. The drama went on even after the match. While inside the bus, the visitors were reportedly attacked with rocks thrown at them.
The incident reached the office of the Italian Federation and made a strong statement that such incident should never happen again. Any type of violence, verbal or physical, cannot be tolerated. The FIPAV officials announced that they’d investigate the melee.
Last March 26th, a similar episode took place when another A2 team, Corigliano, received verbal attacks from Castellana supporters as they entered the gym. One of the players were reportedly hurt which triggered another drama.
We’re not complete aware of the conflict, be it political or sports related, but all we can say is…
NO TO HATE!
VIOLENCE IS NEVER THE ANSWER!
RESPECT EACH OTHER!
Verena G. contributed to this story.
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