Lazio supporters are gearing up for a significant demonstration on July 2nd, with their frustration amplified by the announcement that club president Claudio Lotito has purchased another football club, Reggina. This development has further incensed the ultras, who have been boycotting home matches at the Stadio Olimpico for months, resulting in sparse attendance even for crucial Serie A fixtures.
Their protest saw a brief suspension for a couple of notable occasions, including the Coppa Italia Final defeat against Inter. However, these instances involved season ticket holders who had already paid for their seats.
As the new season approaches, fans are intensifying their pressure on President Lotito, announcing a large public gathering in the streets on the evening of July 2nd. The planned march will proceed from Ponte Milvio to Piazzale Ankara, near the Stadio Flaminio.
The situation is poised to worsen due to the recent announcement by the Mayor of Reggio Calabria, Francesco Cannizzaro, via social media, confirming Lotito’s purchase of the bankrupt club Reggina. This acquisition presents a potential conflict, as new regulations prohibit a single individual from owning more than one club within the professional leagues.
Following their financial collapse, Reggina is currently competing in Serie D. Should they achieve promotion to Serie C, Lotito would be compelled to divest one of his clubs, either Reggina or Lazio. It is worth noting a similar multi-ownership situation exists with Aurelio De Laurentiis, who presides over both Napoli and Bari. However, as his ownership predates the new regulations, he has been granted an extension until the 2028-29 season to address the matter.
English Translation:
Lazio fans have announced a large-scale protest for July 2nd, with their anger further fueled by the news that President Claudio Lotito has acquired another club, Reggina. The ultras have been boycotting home matches at the Stadio Olimpico for months, leading to sparsely populated stands even during significant Serie A games.
Their protest was temporarily halted for a couple of exceptions, most notably the Coppa Italia Final loss to Inter. These instances involved season ticket holders who had already paid for their stadium seats.
With the new season on the horizon, fans are escalating their pressure on President Lotito, announcing a mass gathering in the streets on the evening of July 2nd. They plan to march from Ponte Milvio to Piazzale Ankara, the location of the Stadio Flaminio.
The situation is set to become more complicated as the Mayor of Reggio Calabria, Francesco Cannizzaro, announced via social media that Lotito has purchased the bankrupt club Reggina. This could pose a problem, as new regulations prevent one person from owning multiple clubs in the professional leagues.
Following their collapse, Reggina is playing in Serie D. If they manage to earn promotion to Serie C, Lotito would be forced to choose between owning Reggina or Lazio. There is another multi-ownership issue with Aurelio De Laurentiis, who is in charge of both Napoli and Bari. However, as his ownership was established before the new rules were implemented, he has been given until 2028-29 to resolve the situation.
