In an initiative to combat the rising violence against referees, all Serie A officials will don a distinctive black mark on their faces during matches in the 15th week of the 2024-25 season. This gesture aims to raise awareness about the troubling issue of abuse directed at match officials across Italian football.
The Italian Referee Association (AIA), similar to the PGMOL in England, is taking decisive action in response to this aggression. Recent incidents, including a severe case where a young referee suffered a fractured elbow during a brawl at a category three match near Perugia, underline the urgency of this campaign.
AIA President Carlo Pacifici emphasized the importance of the symbol, noting that it serves to illuminate the “real social plague” of referee abuse, impacting all levels of the sport, from Serie A to amateur leagues. Rosario Abisso, the first official to showcase the mark, officiated the Inter vs. Parma match on Friday evening, with all Serie A referees expected to follow suit over the weekend.
This initiative comes on the heels of a previous campaign where players demonstrated solidarity against domestic violence by wearing red marks on their faces, highlighting the league’s commitment to tackling different forms of violence within the sport.
This proactive approach by the AIA not only draws attention to the safety of referees but also invites players, fans, and the broader community to engage in meaningful conversations about respect in sports. Such efforts signify a hopeful movement towards making football a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved.
Overall, this is a promising step forward in promoting a culture of respect and safety in sport—a fundamental aspect that must be upheld in all competitions.