Roma Fans' Travel Ban Confirmed Ahead of Bologna Europa League Clash

Italian authorities have confirmed the continuation of a travel ban for AS Roma fans residing in the capital, preventing them from attending away matches. This means they will not be present in the stands of the Stadio Dall'Ara during the Europa League match against Bologna scheduled for March 12.

This decision implements measures approved by the Italian Interior Ministry on January 20, which included a widespread national ban preventing fans from traveling outside their residential areas. The restrictive measures stem from violent clashes that erupted between rival fan groups on Italian highways, notably on January 18, when confrontations occurred between Roma and Fiorentina supporters while traveling to watch their teams.

Less than ten days ago, the Italian Administrative Court rejected an appeal challenging the legality of this ban, thereby confirming the validity of the decision, which also applies to fans of Fiorentina, Lazio, and Napoli. The ban extends across all Italian territory, regardless of the nature of the sporting competition, as reports indicate that UEFA does not have the authority to object to sovereign security decisions made by states.

Consequently, the capital club will miss the support of its fans traveling from Rome in its upcoming journey, with security measures adopted by the National Observatory for Sporting Events remaining in effect to curb football-related hooliganism.