SUMMARY
- The January 10, 2024, Derby della Capitale between SS Lazio and AS Roma witnessed violent clashes as fans launched flares at each other.
- Lazio won the game, but the fan violence raised safety concerns and garnered varied reactions on social media.
The derby between SS Lazio and AS Roma is one of the most emotion-driven matches in the soccer world. The two Italian sides possess some of the most passionate and loyal supporters.
Both supporter groups want to see their team prevail over the other. However, the history and the enmity involved in the rivalry, sometimes make the fans cross the line of decency.
Lazio and Roma fans launching flares towards each other before the game today
byu/LacrimeAl94PorcoDio insoccer
On January 10, 2024, SS Lazio hosted AS Roma for the quarterfinals of the 23/24 of Coppa Italia. The game was held in Rome’s iconic Stadio Olimpico, a stadium that is shared by both the Serie A teams. Derby della Capitale, as the derby between the two Roman teams is called was marred by violent outbursts between the supporters of the two teams.
The two fan groups appeared to be launching flares towards each other in the stands. The incident took place before the highly contested game that saw Lazio defeat the Jose Mourinho-led Roma by a solitary goal.
However, the violent incident sparked a range of reactions from fans on social media. In a post shared on the social media platform, Reddit, soccer fans offered their views on this horrifying act.
4/6 – Since #Lazio is under Maurizio #Sarri (2021-22), they have won 4 of the 6 derbies played against Roma (D1 L1); the last Biancoceleste coach to triumph in 4 of his first 6 derbies against the Giallorossi was Sven-Göran Eriksson, between 1997 and 1999. Derby.#LazioRoma pic.twitter.com/e1zUbsvUHG
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) January 10, 2024
One user was livid with the set of fans and questioned their mental state. The user wrote, “Bunch of primates (no offense to the primates).” He was appalled at the stupid act of the fan groups, which endangered the lives of many innocent spectators.
Another user was thrilled by the flares. He wrote, “Game‘s so back.” The event signaled that soccer fans are still passionate about the game. The user belongs to the community of soccer fans who enjoy the ‘ultras’ culture, even if their support sometimes takes the wrong route.
Another fan compared the incident to the Hollywood movie series, Harry Potter. The post read, “Hogwarts Derby!” The film had many scenes where the characters launch magic spells at each other, with the characters learning these skills in the school ‘Hogwarts.’ The Reddit user basically compared the incident in the stadium to the set of a Harry Potter movie.
Another user had an amusing take on the incident. The user commented, “Just another day at the office for them.” It has become very normal for the user to see violent outbursts in the ‘Derby della Capitale.’
One fan commented on the pathetic security issues in the violent derby. Many such incidents have taken place, that have even resulted in fatalities. He commented, “Way worse happens to people at these derbies lol.” The intense rivalry has yielded many shocking and sad moments in recent memory.
AS Roma and Lazio share a historic rivalry in Italian soccer
‘Derby Della Capitale’ is the most intense rivalry in Italian soccer. The rivalry was first orchestrated by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini when he merged two Roman clubs to establish the supremacy of Rome over Northern Italian clubs. However, SS Lazio resisted the merger and subsequently stayed as an independent entity within Rome. Since then the two Roman clubs have shared a gripping and intense rivalry.
Fans describe the ‘Derby della Capitale’ as bigger than the Milan Derby. While the game between AC Milan and Inter Milan brings in a large number of spectators, it is in fact the ‘Derby della Capitale’, that holds the most significance.
Italian journalist Aurelio Capaldi, put it beautifully when he said (via FourFourTwo), “The Rome Derby is the most intense in Italy. Points matter in the Milan derby because Inter and Milan are usually chasing trophies. In Rome it’s different. Only five Scudetti have ever gone to the capital. It’s all about the derby.”
Over the years, the Derby has seen many saddening incidents. The first notable incident occurred in 1975 when a flare fired by the AS Roma supporters killed a Lazio fan named Vincenzo Paparelli.
The other significant violence happened in 2013. Six fans were stabbed and the ambulance that came to aid the injured was attacked by stones, rocks, sticks, and fireworks. The incident sent shockwaves throughout Italy.
It is clear that the ‘Derby della Capitale’ is one most history-rich rivalries in Italian soccer. However, this does not permit the reckless behavior of some of the fans. The Italian authorities need to make sure that the fans respectfully celebrate their clubs, without putting the lives of the spectators in danger.