Juventus condemns fans who interrupted a minute’s silence for Inter and Italy star Sandro Mazzola

TURIN, Italy (AP) — Juventus has strongly criticized its own supporters who disturbed a minute’s silence in honor of former Italy and Inter Milan star Sandro Mazzola.

The tribute was being held at all Serie A matches over the weekend after Mazzola, widely considered one of Italy’s greatest ever players, died on Friday. He was 83.

The minute’s silence was interrupted in Turin, ahead of Sunday’s match against Atalanta, as a section of Juventus fans turned their backs on the field and chanted songs about their own club legends instead. Inter and Juventus are fierce rivals.

The chants were drowned out by applause from other supporters in the stadium — both home and away fans.

“No rivalry can justify a lack of respect during a minute’s silence,” Juventus said in a statement.

“Honoring the memory of those being remembered and coming together in remembrance during moments of commemoration is a shared responsibility that transcends allegiances and colors.”

Juventus could risk a fine or even having the Curva Sud — the sector where the ultras sit and where the disturbance happened — closed for a match. A decision by Italy’s sporting justice system is expected early this week.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer