Italy has banned players from wearing the number 88 as part of an initiative aimed at fighting anti-Semitism in football across the country. <\/span><\/p>\n Members of Italy’s government and Italian Football Association (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina signed an agreement on the issue on Tuesday.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The number 88 can be a reference to a German Nazi slogan.<\/span><\/p>\n The agreement also allows for games to be interrupted “in the event of anti-Semitic chants, acts and expressions”.<\/span><\/p>\n “It is an adequate and effective response to an intolerable prejudice that still too often manifests itself in our stadiums,” said Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi.<\/span><\/p>\n “Anti-Semitism must be strongly fought, together with everything that excludes, despises and discriminates against every human being, every social group, every minority. <\/span><\/p>\n “The declaration of intent signed is only the first step of a broader strategy that will result in a new document on preventing and combating all forms of racism and discrimination in sport.”<\/span><\/p>\n A fan wore a Lazio shirt with 88 on the back during the team’s win against Roma in March, while two other supporters were involved in another apparent anti-Semitic incident. <\/span><\/p>\n
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