As cases of violence against referees increased, the Italian government took action to protect them.
BBC reported on the 22nd (Korea time) that "those who commit violence against sports referees in Italy could face prison sentences in the future."
It continued, "The Italian government amended the penal code to provide referees with legal protection equivalent to that of police officers or other public officials. The law was revised due to the increasing cases of violence against referees. Acts of pushing, hitting, or threatening referees can now result in much harsher punishments."
Andrea Osteleri, Vice Minister of Justice, said, "Sports is about honesty and sharing. I warn those who do not accept this. Violence and aggressive behavior against referees will be punished without delay, including prison sentences."
According to BBC, Serie A referees have been protesting by applying black stains to their cheeks during matches to raise awareness of the abuse they endure.
Referee Diego Alfonsetti was assaulted during a youth match held in Sicily last season.
The Italian government has been consulting with the Italian Football Referees Association (ISRA) since December of last year.
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