Controversy from a different source
Today’s Italy v Romania game happens while the two countries are trying to settle differences around how Romany (gypsy) migrants to Italy should be handled.
It is estimated that around 500,000 Romi live in Italy.
Conflict situations have arisen with Romi being implicated with committing serious crimes. This includes an attempted kidnap of a 6 month old baby in Naples by a 16 year old Romi girl.
Escalating crime rates amongst migrant populations, have seen Berlusconi’s new government introduce tough measures on clandestine (illegal) immigrants. Italy has threatened to expel Romi citizens.
This quote from right-wing politician Roberto Calderoli (the odd looking guy pictured above)
“Lasciamo vincere i romeni, purché si tengano i Rom”
We’ll let Romania win if they take back the gypsies.
Right wing Italian politicians have never really been known for their political correctness.
Tags: Euro 2008, Europe, Football, Italia, Italy, Politics, Romania, Sport
