Serie A referees will prominently display a black mark on their faces during the 15th week of the 2024-25 season as part of an initiative aimed at combating violence against match officials in Italian football. This move, spearheaded by the AIA (Italian Referees Association), underscores the increasing concern surrounding abuse faced by referees at all levels of the sport.
The initiative comes on the heels of a disturbing incident where a young referee sustained a fractured elbow during a confrontation at a category three match near Perugia. AIA President Carlo Pacifici emphasized the importance of this symbolic gesture, stating, “Showing this symbol to everyone, from Serie A to amateur and youth levels, is aimed at raising awareness among players about this real social plague.”
Referee Rosario Abisso will be the first official to showcase this black mark on his face during the match between Inter and Parma. Other Serie A referees are expected to follow suit throughout the weekend.
In a related campaign just two weeks earlier, players displayed red marks on their faces as a part of a separate initiative organized by Lega Serie A, addressing the issue of domestic violence.
This unified effort demonstrates the commitment of Italy’s football authorities to foster a safer environment for officials, promoting respect and understanding within the sport. Through these impactful campaigns, football stakeholders are taking decisive steps toward eradicating violence and ensuring a positive atmosphere for all involved.
This approach not only addresses the pressing issue of referee abuse but also highlights a broader commitment within football to tackle various forms of societal violence. It can only be hoped that these initiatives will lead to increased awareness and more supportive behaviors from players, officials, and fans alike.