Juventus condemn fans for ‘lack of respect’ after interrupting Mazzola tribute

TURIN, ITALY - OCTOBER 06: A Juventus branded corner flag is seen in a general view of the stadium interior prior to kick off in the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Cagliari Calcio at Allianz Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

Juventus have released a statement criticising the supporters who chose to interrupt a minute’s silence for the late Italy and Inter legend Sandro Mazzola ahead of their Serie A match against Atalanta on Sunday: ‘No rivalry can justify a lack of respect’.

Juventus respond after supporters’ ‘lack of respect’ to Mazzola

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A minute’s silence is being held ahead of all Serie A matches this weekend, following Saturday’s news that the legendary Mazzola, widely considered one of the greatest Italian footballers of all time, has died at the age of 83. 

This tribute was interrupted at the Allianz Stadium ahead of Juventus’s 2-0 win over Atalanta, however, as certain supporters in the Curva Sud decided to turn their backs towards the pitch and sing songs remembering some of their own club legends instead. 

This was soon drowned out by a surging round of applause from the other supporters in the stadium. 

Juventus have since released their own statement criticising those who interrupted the minute’s silence, which read: “No rivalry can justify a lack of respect during a minute’s silence. 

“Honouring the memory of those being remembered and coming together in remembrance during moments of commemoration is a shared responsibility that transcends allegiances and colours.”