Agnelli: Juve blackmailed by ultras

By Football Italia staff

Andrea Agnelli claims Juventus were blackmailed by ultras as it is alleged they threatened to sing racist chants if they did not receive free tickets.

Twelve leaders of Juve ultras groups were arrested yesterday for criminal conspiracy, blackmail, money laundering and violence.

The Bianconeri have been working with authorities in their investigation, and Agnelli admitted his club had been pressured by hardcore fans.

“Juve have been forced to adhere to the demands of the ultras, aware of the possible negative consequences such as racist chants and other conduct likely to result in fines, bans or closure of the curva,” the patron told prosecutors in Turin.

The arrests were followed by a banner that read, “the Curva Sud is dead,” amidst speculation it had been rolled out by the group ‘Drughi’.

‘Drughi’ was described by deputy prosecutor Patrizia Caputo as a ‘military-type’ organisation, whose members have ‘a lifestyle of violence’.

In the meantime, ANSA reports Juve’s home match against Verona this Saturday could be postponed due to rising tensions amongst supporters.

“Saturday’s game was one that already caught our attention,” warned Turin police chief Giuseppe De Matteis.

“They are two fan bases with different ideologies. Now the risks are increasing because reactions are predictable.”

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