The Times: Rome not fit for final of Champions League
The Times Online is campaigning for the Champions League final to be removed from Rome.
The Champions League final is scheduled to be played at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday May 27 and the British newspaper is concerned that there will be a repeat of violence that has dogged a number of games between English teams and Roma in the capital.
It is true that football-related violence is a problem in Italy and yes, there is a risk that there will be more violence. However, with an event of such importance you can assume that the authorities will do what it takes to prevent any kinda of problem from erupting. The whole world will be watching.
“Say no to Stab City”
What is particularly irritating about The Times’ article are the words used in the last paragraph: “Say no to Rome. Say no to Stab City”.
They have every right to campaign against anything they want but it’s unfair that a whole city is characterised that way, even in the context of a football match.
If we’re talking safety lets look at some stats
There may be added risk because of a football game but rest assured that Rome remains a safe place to visit. Unlike Britain that, as The Telegraph puts it, ‘tops European crime league’:
Britain has one of the worst crime rates in Europe, a report said yesterday.
It is the most burgled country in Europe, has the highest level of assaults and above average rates of car theft, robbery and pickpocketing. Only Ireland has a worse record.
Risks of being assaulted were highest in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and Denmark and lowest in Italy, Portugal, Hungary, Spain and France.
That’s right, the risk of being assaulted is highest in the UK. As far as Europe is concerned, the risk of being assaulted in Italy is one of the lowest. That’s because we like pizza, pasta and Pavarotti and don’t binge-drink ourselves stupid.
Stay away from Rome when the final is on
We suggest the following: don’t come to Rome during when the final is on because the the game will be the focus of… everything. Football is fun but not worth the hassle. Prices for things will be inflated and the streets will be noisy.
Come to Rome any other time and have a great time.
As far as the UK is concerned, whatever the stats say it remains a great place to visit.
1 comments...
Latest article
Trajan's Sacred Spring discovered
The Caput Aquae - the place where water originates - has been discovered for the aqueduct that was completed in 109 AD to serve Trastevere.
24 Jan '10 | Culture & Leisure
Latest blog post
Get your hands on the Kids' Guide to Rome 2010
Wanted in Rome, the English-language guide listing all sorts of local events and activities, is giving it away with the 9 June edition of the publication.
10 Jun '10 | All of Rome
Apartment Spotlight
Gianni Alemanno, Mayor of Rome, has replied to The Times’ article
Rome, 20th March 2009
To the Editor
Dear Sir,
I take the liberty of writing to you following the “campaign” in the online edition of your newspaper purporting to demonstrate that Rome is not fit to host the Champions League Final: a campaign that I consider mean-spirited and denigratory.
Rome was chosen by UEFA to host the May final after long and careful consideration and the venue was once more confirmed only today by the Secretary General, David Taylor. This aspect, which calls into question the top management of European football, was totally ignored in your article.
I should also like to point out, by way of an answer to the statements in the article, that a Google search with the words “London” and “stabbed” brings up 2,670,000 pages, ten times those that appear for Rome.
This fact alone demonstrates beyond all reasonable doubt that the statements contained in the article are merely a pretext.
This is not the first time that Rome has hosted the Champions League Final and in preparation for the event the city and the competent authorities – first and foremost the National and Municipal Police Forces – have been working for several months in order to be ready for this important commitment.
In past editions the capital of Italy has distinguished itself for the correct and regular way sporting events have been staged. There is no reason to doubt that this time, too, it will be sport itself that wins the day, together with the desire to participate in an international event of the greatest importance.
I might add that the city has already proved – very recently and not years ago – that it can be a good and welcoming host, on the occasion of the Six Nations Rugby matches.
A further point for consideration is the statement, in the above-mentioned article, that there have been problems with Rome fans over the last few years. I would like to remind you that, quite apart from the factiousness of this statement, it is certain that AS Roma will not be taking part in the final: a fact that renders this aspect entirely irrelevant.
It is my hope, as Mayor of Rome, that one of the English teams still running for the Cup may play in the final and so may demonstrate, by its presence here, how unfounded the worries of your readers are. In any case, as first citizen of the capital, I can assure you that English fans will find a friendly reception and that here in Rome the authorities will do everything necessary to prevent any disturbance of public order.
Yours sincerely,
Gianni Alemanno
Mayor of Rome
By Rome Rentals Co. | 23 March 09