The Mancini Case: Post-Derby Investigation and Controversies

The Mancini case will not remain just a field episode. The Football Federation's prosecutor has opened an investigation into the post-derby incident and the episode involving Gianluca Mancini who, to celebrate Roma's victory, waved an anti-Lazio flag (sky blue with a rat). The prosecutor, who is also investigating racist chants aimed at Lukaku and Abraham by Lazio fans, has already acquired videos of the incident and the accusation is that of violating article 4 of the sports justice code, which concerns loyalty, fairness, and integrity. The incident occurred immediately after the derby match, won by Roma against Lazio thanks to a goal by the number 23 yellow and red player in the first half. Mancini, running under the South Curve to celebrate, had taken a sky-blue flag with a rat in the center, waving it for a few seconds before handing it back to its rightful owner. The player immediately apologized, after the match, trying to tone down the situation by emphasizing that his gesture was not meant to 'offend anyone, I celebrated with my fans and a bit of goliardia is okay. I took the first flag that was given to me, but these are things that end in the celebrations without disrespecting anyone. I apologize but I was very happy to celebrate with my fans.' Now, the player risks being fined or, in the worst-case scenario, a disqualification. Among the options is also a plea bargain, which as provided by the code can occur both pre and post referral. Meanwhile, the prosecutor will have to evaluate if the principles 'of loyalty, correctness, and integrity in every relationship however related to sports activity' have been violated. And there are several precedents similar to the Mancini case. Two years ago, during the celebrations for the championship, Milan players showed a vulgar banner aimed at Inter fans. In that case, there was a plea bargain between the clubs while the four players involved - Theo Hernandez, Krunic, Maignan, and Tonali - were sanctioned for violating article 4 with fines ranging from 5000 to 4000 euros. Milan was sanctioned with a fine of 12,000 euros for objective liability. Nicolò Zaniolo during the celebration for the Conference League sang a chant with injurious and offensive content towards Lazio and was fined. And in the post-derby controversy, even the sweatshirt with the inscription 'SS Lazio', and the double S with the font that evokes the Nazi one worn by the former Lazio captain Stefan Radu ended up in the spotlight. The image went viral and also triggered calls for action from politicians.