FIFA has fined Italy’s football federation 27,000 euros after Italian fans made Nazi gestures during the World Cup qualifying match between Israel and Italy on 5 September.
FIFA cited “Inappropriate and discriminatory behavior” from fans as the reason for the fine.
Two Italian football fans were removed from the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa during the match for making the gestures.
Some Italian supporters were also filmed booing during the Israeli national anthem others were seen jeering and spitting at the home supporters.
Hier soir à #Haïfa lors du match Israël-Italie, 3 fans italiens arrêtés pour saluts nazis pendant l'hymne d'#Israël. pic.twitter.com/ciSizeOX3r
— LDJ Paris (@LDJ_France) September 6, 2016
And at the end of the match, visiting supporters had to be held back be pitchside security and the police as they attempted to run onto the field.
This led the Israel Football Association to file a complaint with their Italian counterparts over the disgraceful behaviour.
President of the Italian Football Federation Carlo Tavecchio called the Israeli ambassador to Italy Francesco Maria Talo, and condemned the behavior, adding that he hoped “the relevant authorities can determine as soon as possible what happened and identify those responsible.”
The match ended with Israel’s defeat 3-1 by the Italians.
