Football teams in trouble for Mafia tribute

Link : http://uk.news.yahoo.com/041004/80/f3vqs.html


ROME (Reuters) - Players and fans at a local league match in southern Italy held a minute's silence to remember a suspected Mafia boss over the weekend, angering politicians and embarrassing soccer authorities.


Sunday's silent tribute at a match between Isola Capo Rizzuto and Strongoli was for Carmine Arena, believed to be the head of a local 'Ndrangheta Mafia clan. He died in an ambush on Saturday night in the region of Calabria in the toe of Italy.


Italian media said the chairman of Isola Capo Rizzuto was Arena's cousin and had asked for a minute's silence in a sign of respect. The reports added that 18-year-old referee Paolo Zimmaro granted his request, unaware of Arena's mob ties.


"The minute's silence ... shows the power of the 'Ndrangheta in Calabria and how it succeeds in dominating entire communities even to the extent of invading the sports field," said Angela Napoli, vice-chairman of parliament's anti-Mafia committee.


Soccer authorities said in a statement they had suspended Zimmaro and his two assistants for breaking league regulations by not asking for authorisation for the minute's silence.