Italy bans 16 Roma fans from stadiums over fascist salute

ROME, Sept 16 - Sixteen AS Roma fans have been banned from stadiums across Italy after performing the stiff-armed fascist salute during a Serie A home game against Atalanta, Rome police said in a statement on Wednesday.

The bans range from one to five years and also apply to AS Roma matches played abroad and national soccer team fixtures, police said. Four of the supporters will also have to report to police during AS Roma matches, they added.

The fascist-style salute was made by fans in the Curva sud section, home to hardcore supporters, during a September 5 evening match which AS Roma won 2-1 with two last-gasp goals from Mario Hermoso and Matias Soule.

Displays of far-right sentiment are not uncommon in Italian soccer among groups of hardline fans known as ultras. Prosecutors have also linked some ultras to organised crime and far-right extremist networks.

The fascist salute is not explicitly banned in all circumstances in Italy, and courts assess the gesture on a case-by-case basis. It can be prosecuted under laws banning the revival of the fascist party and the incitement of racial hatred. REUTERS