Bologna supporters have voiced their criticism of the recent investigation into ultras groups at Inter and Milan, highlighting what they perceive as a disparity in the scrutiny faced by fan organizations compared to the financial issues plaguing Serie A clubs.
During Bologna’s match against Parma, the organized fan groups displayed a banner that read: “Investigations in the curva for ultras, but billions in debt for Serie A league and teams.” This message underscores the fans’ frustration with what they see as misplaced priorities in Italian football governance.
The controversy stems from a recent operation that led to 19 arrests among Inter and Milan ultras, involving allegations of illegal trafficking, ticket extortion, and parking management schemes. While law enforcement focuses on these issues, Bologna fans argue that the massive debts accumulated by top-flight clubs and the league itself deserve equal, if not greater, attention.
Inter Milan, one of the clubs at the center of the ultras investigation, has sought to reassure its fanbase. Before a recent match against Red Star Belgrade, Inter president Giuseppe Marotta stated: “First of all, I would like to reassure all our fans. As the magistrates declared during the press conference, we are the injured party. At the same time, we have guaranteed maximum cooperation with the judiciary and are fully available. We were before, and we are even more so today.”
Marotta emphasized Inter’s commitment to security, mentioning that the club has “a security management structure led by a former public order official who applies very strict protocols and regulations.” He acknowledged the challenge of controlling phenomena that occur outside the institutional and corporate perimeter.
