So frustrated was Sergio Campana, president of the Italian players' association, with the current violence that he said the game should stop for a year while it was cleaned up.

"If in England they've managed to beat every type of violence, I see no reason why we can't do the same," Mr Campana said.

"In England you see teams that have been relegated applauded by their fans, here our players are hit because they lose one game. I think football should stop for a year in order to reflect on the evils that exist."