Turin – The Court of Cassation has issued a historic ruling, definitively confirming the convictions of five Juventus ultras involved in the “Last Banner” investigation.
The decision, which came on Wednesday, March 19, reaffirmed the existence of a criminal association within the “Drughi” group, as already established by the Court of Appeal of Turin and the tribunal.
The ruling represents a turning point after years of legal battles, with a crucial role played by criminologist Luca Vincenti, an expert in fan crimes and links to organized crime. His thirty-year research, which has been included in essays such as “Diari di una domenica ultrà”, has highlighted the close connection between the curves and the underworld, also receiving the attention of the Court of Napoli North.
Vincenti, who was recently hired as a consultant for the Netflix series “Acab,” expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stressing the importance of recognizing that ultras belong to stadium gangs. However, he also highlighted the need for further measures to combat the phenomenon:
Traceability: Introduction of the electronic bracelet for subjects subjected to Daspo and definitive conviction.
Mandatory membership: Registration of ultra clubs in court, with identification of fans and their “social charges”, and the requirement of a physical office with a manager.
Tax transparency: Registration in the commercial register or institutional bodies, with traceable accounting for ultra groups and their clubs.
Severance of relations with football clubs: Blocking of exchanges between ultras and clubs to avoid pressure, threats and extortion; assumption of the costs of managing public order by the clubs.
Stop self-celebration: Ban on the dissemination of the image of charismatic leaders to prevent monetization in merchandising and crimes associated with the control of the terraces.
The Supreme Court ruling and Vincenti's proposals open a new chapter in the fight against violence in stadiums, with the aim of guaranteeing safety and legality in the world of football.
Article published on March 20, 2025 - 20pm
