The organised Lazio fan groups refuted Angelo Fabiani’s ‘truce’ plea, insisting that their protest will continue until Claudio Lotito leaves the club.
The Background
The supporters have been accusing the Italian senator of looking after his own interests rather than the club’s. They became increasingly irritated with the mismanagement of the accounts and the recurring sales of key players. Therefore, they have been refusing to attend Lazio’s home games at the Stadio Olimpico, instead accompanying the team on their travels.
This decision is among several drastic measures taken to pile more pressure on Lotito’s administration and deprive him of important revenues.
Lazio Enjoying a Stellar Start Despite the Protest
Despite the chaotic situation, Gennaro Gattuso’s men have been enjoying a historic start to the campaign, registering six wins and one draw in the first seven rounds of the Serie A season. Hence, they currently share the top spot with defending champions and ultimate favourites, Inter Milan.
Angelo Fabiani Urged Lazio Fans to Return to Stadio Olimpico
Following Sunday’s ecstatic 3-0 win over Juventus in Turin, Lazio sporting director Fabiani sought the opportunity to urge the fans to return to the stands. The 63-year-old said the empty seats at the Olimpico have been giving him sleepless nights. He also argued that a ‘truce’ would be a huge morale boost for the players and Gattuso.
Lazio Fans Turned Down Fabiani’s Truce Offer
Shortly after Fabiani’s words were released, the organised Lazio fan groups firmly rejected the proposal through a statement announced on Radio Laziale (via La Lazio Siamo Noi). The supporters insist that the team’s exploits won’t have any effect on their decision, as their battle against Lotito goes well beyond sporting results.
The problem lies in Fabiani’s words. There is no truce to be signed; we do not have two different viewpoints. The point is that the fans no longer want that president. There can be no truce with someone you no longer want. Many newspapers want to reduce the protest to the team’s technical ability, but that is not the case. It is something much deeper-rooted, something that runs deep within us. We are absolutely delighted to be top of the table, and we hope to remain there until the end of the year.
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The organised supporters noted that they aren’t the only ones protesting against Lotito, but that the majority of the fanbase.
It is not just the organised supporters who are emptying the stadium. They number 3,000 to 4,000 people. There are also smaller groups and pockets of supporters who have made the same choice. That is how you reach 45,000 people. Our protest is entirely justified, right and spontaneous. The other side does not want to admit it, but they spread false rumours and other things. When one side talks more than the other, it is clearly the side that is struggling.
The Away Support Continues
Finally, the Lazio supporters vowed to back the team in away games with large numbers, as they’ve been doing since the start of the season.
We are always there. When we play away from home, there are never fewer than 5,000 of us. We are always giving the lads our support. We are all on their side; we cheer them on and support them. We are backing an entirely justified battle that goes far beyond the affection and esteem the players and the coach deserve. They deserve the world, more than many Lazio teams of the past. We are always there. Away from home, we make it feel like a home game for them. In Rome, however, there is a battle that is sacred, and the players know that. We have never asked them for anything.”