Hellas Verona have won their appeal following accusations their fans racially abused AC Milan’s Sulley Muntari, an accusation they strongly denied.
The original sanction would have seen the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi partially closed for one game as well as the €50,000 fine to the Gialloblu now being lifted.
The Court of Appeal for Sport considered the evidence provided by both Verona and AC Milan before releasing the following statement:
“The decision has been made having considered the size of the group involved in such behavior and how easily it was perceived during the game.”
The courts statement further clarified it’s decision:
“The Court of Appeal for Sports, without questioning the claim in point of fact and law, instructed the Federal Prosecutor’s Office to conduct an additional investigations on the size and actual perception of the alleged racist chanting, in view of the allegations of the complainant.
“We can give our full support to Hellas Verona, the fans and the city.
This has not pleased everyone with an interest in the case however, with the mayor of Verona, Flavio Tosi, commenting:
”the damage to our image is done so our action will not stop. The mistake is so abnormal that I have doubts if it was carried out in good faith. Those who did wrong will have to pay,” ANSA reported.
Verona City Council is currently exploring the possibility of legal action following the claims.
