Rocco Commisso has vowed to disown Fiorentina fans who insult Gaetano Scirea and Heysel victims when his club host Juventus this weekend.
The two arch-rivals face off at the Artemio Franchi on Saturday, and Commisso reiterated his plea for Fiorentina supporters to avoid any insensitive behaviour.
“I can’t accept words of hate, insults against opponents from our fans,” the 69-year-old told La Stampa.
Rocco Commisso has vowed to disown Fiorentina fans who insult Gaetano Scirea and Heysel victims when his club host Juventus this weekend.
The two arch-rivals face off at the Artemio Franchi on Saturday, and Commisso reiterated his plea for Fiorentina supporters to avoid any insensitive behaviour.
“I can’t accept words of hate, insults against opponents from our fans,” the 69-year-old told La Stampa.
“I grew up in the land of transparency and opportunities. I’m a witness and an example of the fact that those who work hard get results.
“Sporting value is the first moral value. Discrimination, verbal abyse and racist chants aren’t part of my vocabulary.
“I stress that the problem concerns other supporters and teams around the world, but I take responsibility for my fans and those minorities who allow themselves to insult the memory of Scirea or the Heysel victims: they’re no supporters of mine.
“I’ll apologise, like I did to Scirea’s wife. I hope sporting civilisation prevails tomorrow. It’ll be a beautiful game, for me it’s a dream come true.”
The Italo-American tycoon then criticised Financial Fair Play for limiting his investment in the Viola and made it clear he had no reason to be ‘in awe’ of Juve patron Andrea Agnelli.
“It should be possible to let someone invest in a team who are in a disadvantaged state as of today.
“You know Juventus pay their players around €300m euros a year, while we pay about €50m?
“That difference alone says it all. Having said that, we’ve already done a lot and signed eight players. I’m trying to revive our game and create a compact team spirit.”
“As for being in awe of Agnelli, absolutely not. And why should I be? I’m proud of what I’ve done in my life.
“After all, look. When they needed help, the Agnelli family turned to an Italo-American immigrant like me who did extraordinary things.
“I respect them, I agree with them and I believe that respect is mutual. And I add: I’m here to learn and emulate them.”