Jail for United Fans in Rome

After what is called an “abbreviated” trial, four Manchester United supporters who were involved in trouble during the team’s recent trip to Roma have been sentenced to jail time by an Italian court. The four, who were identified by members of the Manchester Police in Rome to help with crowd control, were part of a group of about 60 who broke away from the United supporters being taken to the Stadio Olimpico, and immediately headed for a well-known gathering place for Roma Ultras where, shock of shocks, they ran into trouble.

The four were arrested in the wake of fight that involved about 50 people, and accepted the “abbreviated” trial, at which there is no testimony by either side, and evidence comes entirely from photos and videos. Simply by appearing in court, the four men had their sentences automatically reduced by a third and, though the final sentences — ranging from 29 to 30 months — are substantial and all four men are still being held, English authorities believe the sentences will umtimately be suspended and that the quartet will be home soon.

For once, this is being handled the way it should be — idiots who go looking for trouble are getting punished for it. Not Roma, not United. Just because the trouble happened in Rome doesn’t mean it had anything to do with the club, or the game that was being played; the match was just an excuse for some morons (from both sides) to have a fight. Brilliant idea, fellas. Aren’t there people you can fight at home? That’d at least save you the price of a plane ticket, and maybe even jail time.

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Category: Champions League, World Football

Tags: arrests, Champions League, Manchester United, Roma, World Football

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