from: www.theromanforum.com

13 October 2008

Neo-Nazism was rife at Bulgaria's World Cup qualifier with Italy over the weekend, in scenes deemed 'absolutely disgraceful' by the Italian FA and leaving fans from other countries fearful of what to expect when travelling to the two countries over the next year.

Both countries could incur FIFA's wrath after Italian fans made fascist salutes-which are banned in Italy- and chanted the name of Benito Mussolini while Bulgarian supporters also waved the swastika and made Nazi salutes. It has been claimed in the Italian media that hard-right Italian fans had joined forces with local Bulgarian right wing groups from local side Levski Sofia, against traditionally left wing Bulgarian supporters from Sofia's other team, CSKA. Police baton-charged Italian fans after they threw missiles and tried to charge a separating fence. Three Italians were also arrested for burning a Bulgarian flag.

The disappointing 0-0 draw with Sofia also marked a worrying emergence of violence of a level only previously observed in Serie A, where hard-core fans known as Ultras have clashed with police and each other.

FA president Giancarlo Abete promised swift investigation: 'The behaviour was unacceptable but we will find those responsible as every ticket sold to the Italian supporters has a name and address on it - in fact we turned some people down because they were known to police.'

The Italians currently lead Group Eight with seven points from three games, three points ahead of Ireland who have played twice.

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