Hamrun Spartans defender Vincenzo Polito has been handed a two-year DASPO (stadium banning order) following the incidents that took place during the Serie B promotion play-off semi-final between Palermo and Catanzaro at the Stadio Renzo Barbera on 20 May.
The Italian authorities concluded their investigation into the disturbances that erupted in the Tribuna Autorità, with Polito among the individuals sanctioned following the events.
The player, who is also the son of Catanzaro sporting director Ciro Polito, was present in the VIP section during the decisive second-leg clash when tensions escalated between members of the visiting delegation and Palermo supporters.
According to the findings of the investigation carried out by the Digos police unit, the incident began during the first half after a member of the Catanzaro delegation allegedly displayed behaviour considered provocative towards the home supporters. At half-time, several Palermo fans reportedly confronted the individual, with the verbal exchange quickly escalating into physical altercations involving a number of people inside the hospitality area.
Investigators stated that Vincenzo Polito became involved after reacting to comments directed towards him before being drawn into the confrontation. The situation was eventually brought under control through the intervention of stadium stewards.
The investigation also notes that Polito himself was allegedly subjected to aggressive behaviour from some Palermo supporters during the disorder, with authorities describing the incident as a chaotic situation involving multiple individuals in the restricted area.
As a result, the Italian authorities imposed a two-year DASPO, preventing the Hamrun Spartans player from attending sporting events in Italy for the duration of the sanction.
The incident occurred during one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of the Serie B season, with Catanzaro’s promotion hopes ending in Palermo. The disturbances in the VIP section became one of the main talking points after the match and were subsequently investigated by the competent authorities
