Italians need English approach to football violence

England coach Steve McClaren believes Italian authorities must follow England’s lead to eradicate football violence.

All Italian football was suspended indefinitely after a police officer was killed during serious trouble at last night’s Sicilian derby between Catania and Palermo.

According to reports, 38-year-old Filippo Raciti was struck in the face by a small explosive while attempting to deal with fighting outside the stadium. He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries.

After an emergency meeting last night Italian football federation (FIGC) commissioner Luca Pancalli announced an immediate suspension of football.

The Italian game has been blighted by violence in recent years – echoing the problems experienced in England in the 1970s and 80s.

Wide-ranging measures were introduced to curtail hooliganism in this country and they have proved largely successful in improving the image of the national game.

And McClaren is convinced the FIGC must now make the same harsh decisions made in Britain 20 years ago.

“They have got to learn a lot about the English game, the Premier League and how it has come on over the years,” He told BBC Radio Five Live.

“The safety now at most grounds (has improved). Compared to when I used to go and watch, the violence that surrounded football, I won’t say it has disappeared completely, but it is very, very well controlled and it a great environment in which to take the children and families now, and we have to encourage that.

“Of course, I think a lot of other countries are looking at the Premier League and the way we built stadiums, security, seating arrangements and ticketing arrangements.

“Other countries have learnt and maybe after the drastic events in Italy something has to be done.”