Rome derby chaos leads to 13 police injuries may alter kickoff times

ROME -The Rome derby may return to afternoon kickoffs next season, after April 13’s night fixture descended into what Italian media termed “urban guerrilla warfare” that left 13 police officers injured in clashes between rival fan groups.

“It is easy to predict that next year will be back in the light of day,” the authorities said, following the violent scenes that unfolded around the Stadio Olimpico hours before Lazio hosted Roma, Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport reported.

The chaos erupted when approximately 500 Roma supporters, many with faces covered, attempted to confront Lazio ultras between Ponte Milvio and Ponte Duca dAosta bridges, close to the stadium.

Police successfully prevented direct confrontation between the groups but faced a barrage of projectiles for their efforts.

Officers later deployed fire hydrants and tear gas when several hundred Lazio fans launched their own attack on police lines. The violence spilled into the neighbouring Flaminio district, where a traffic light and several parked cars were damaged during a hail of bottles and stones.

Despite an extensive security operation that included 2,000 officers and morning seizures of clubs and iron pipes, authorities could not contain the disorder completely.

This marks the second consecutive Rome derby marred by violence since the fixture returned to evening hours after a five-year hiatus of daytime matches. April 13’s match, which ended 1-1, kicked off at 8.45pm local time. REUTERS

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