Lazio are preparing to lock horns with Atalanta on Saturday evening, but the atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico will be dampened by the ongoing fan protest.
The Background
The organized fan groups have waged what they have described as a ‘civilized’ war on Claudio Lotito and his regime after being irritated with the way the club has been run, especially in recent years. Therefore, the supporters are doing everything within their power to prompt the increasingly unpopular president to sell the club.
A couple of weeks ago, the Curva Nord ultras kick-started a protest against the patron by abandoning their seats at the Stadio Olimpico for the Serie A clash against Genoa. They had also urged the rest of the fanbase to join the movement. Their calls paid dividends, as only 4,000 people attended the contest which ended in a 3-2 win for the Biancocelesti.
Lazio Organized Groups Won’t Attend Atalanta Clash
In recent days, Maurizio Sarri has been trying to mediate between the two parties, but the head coach’s pleas have fallen on deaf ears, as the Lazio organized supporters declared their intention to continue their protest when the team hosts Atalanta on Saturday. The fan groups’ representatives explained their stance to Radio Laziale (via Il Corriere dello Sport).
It will be another test of devotion and faith, not a battle we wage based on results. The protest is spontaneous; everyone is free to do what they believe is best. We decided to celebrate our Valentine’s Day at Ponte Milvio because we love Lazio. It’s unconditional love.
The Coppa Italia Conundrum
The Roman newspaper notes that the fan groups will soon face a major dilemma when Lazio host Atalanta in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final on March 4, as it will be a crucial fixture for the club’s campaign. It remains to be seen if they will decide to make an exception for this particular clash.
I don’t think the fans will return for the semifinal clash. However, if the final is reached, that might be an exception.
What I am hoping is that let’s say Lazio reach an agreement for the Flaminio project and than Lotito can sell the club for greater value hence securing the project would allow a new buyer to have that in the bag and go ahead seriously increasing the revenue for the future which would make Lazio a lot more profitable.
As for today, I hope the protest goes on, stadium stays as empty as possible and wish Lazio can still win. Forza Grande Lazio
P A T H E T I C
Imagine wanting Saudi/American owners!
Keep it up, all Laziale. Lazio belongs to everyone who treasures it, not Lotito. This asshole has been hindering the club from restoring the well deserved glory. He just treats the club as a business, satisfying with the merely won coppa italia. He is the common enemy of the club and he must go.