Tributes paid to policeman killed in football riot

THOUSANDS of mourners flocked to a cathedral in the Sicilian city of Catania yesterday for the funeral of a policeman whose death in a football riot in Italy prompted calls for new measures to curb stadium violence.

In a telegram of condolence, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his “spiritual closeness” to the family of 38-year-old Filippo Raciti, killed during street clashes at the Catania-Palermo Serie A match on Friday.

As a sign of respect, people applauded as Mr Raciti’s coffin, draped in the Italian flag, was carried inside the Duomo Cathedral followed by his youngest son dressed in a police uniform.

“I only hope that your death will push society to make changes,” Raciti’s teenage daughter, Fabiana, said during a tearful speech.

Italy’s sports and interior ministers planned to meet last night with senior soccer and sports administrators to discuss long-term measures to curb fan violence. The Italian soccer federation postponed all games over the weekend and cancelled tomorrow’s friendly between Italy and Romania.

Measures being considered include barring organised groups of fans from following their teams at away games, stiffening penalties and limiting the number of fans allowed in stadiums whose security measures are considered lax.