Italy bans #88 football shirt NJA support IDF Jenin operation

BY ADAM MOSES

Italy has banned football players wearing the number 88 on shirts in an initiative to fight anti-Semitism.

Members of Italy's government and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina signed an agreement on the issue last week.

The Italian Referees Association backs the initiative. Games may be interrupted for antisemitic chants, acts and expressions. The initiative includes a code of ethics from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance alongside awareness and communication activities on antisemitism.

Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi called for antisemitism to be “strongly” fought.

“It is an adequate and effective response to an intolerable prejudice that still too often manifests itself in our stadiums,” he said. “Anti-Semitism must be strongly fought, together with everything that excludes, despises and discriminates against every human being, every social group, every minority.

“The declaration of intent signed is only the first step of a broader strategy that will result in a new document on preventing and combating all forms of racism and discrimination in sport.”

Gravina added: “Soccer's credibility, which gets hurt and damaged by discriminatory behaviour, has a direct reflection on Italian society."

Action Against Antisemitism and Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed the news.

AAD chairman Jonathan Meltiss called on FIFA and UEFA to take the same action against antisemitic behaviour in football and deal with offenders appropriately. In the UK, Metliss wants the Premier League, English Football Association, EFL and Scottish FA to follow the Italian measures.

He added: “AAD has long campaigned against the use of the ‘Y’ word and versions by Tottenham followers which gives rise to and provokes antisemitic behaviour by opposition supporters and antisemitic groups. This chanting must be banned.”

A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson said: "The ban on 88 shirts is part of a package of significant measures in the wake of a number of antisemitic incidents that have rocked the sport. This is a serious package of reforms to combat anti-Jewish hatred in Italian football. We will be watching its effects."

Lazio banned a fan for life after wearing a club shirt with the name ‘Hitlerson’ and No. 88 in a match against Roma last March.

Neo-Nazis use No: 88 as an abbreviation for the Nazi salute Heil Hitler and code for HH.

Column 88 was a neo-Nazi paramilitary UK group active in the 1970s. Unit 88 was a neo-Nazi group founded in Wellington, New Zealand, active in the late 1990s.

The National Jewish Assembly has applauded Israel Defense Forces for their decisive counter-terrorism campaign in Jenin in Judea and Samaria.

This operation demonstrates the IDF’s commitment to safeguarding the security and well-being of Israeli citizens.

The IDF campaign included over 1,000 troops and a series of airstrikes to neutralise the terror infrastructure and end the city’s role as a safe haven for extremist groups.

The operation followed a surge in violent attacks originating from the Jenin area, posing a direct threat to innocent lives.

Gary Mond, NJA chairman, said: “It is the absolute duty of the Israeli government to protect its citizens from terrorist murderers who have claimed many Jewish lives recently. The government must use its judgement to decide what strategy is best, and the decision to conduct a full-scale offensive in Jenin to clear out the gunmen and other militant infrastructure deserves full support.”

NJA recognises the IDF’s efforts to combat terrorism and maintain stability in the region. The airstrikes targeted known joint war rooms and gathering places for armed terrorists, crippling their capabilities and disrupting their networks.

These actions serve to protect Israeli and Palestinian communities from the violence and destruction perpetrated by these groups.

The NJA strongly condemns a ‘tone-deaf’ tweet by Richard Burgon MP, which fails to acknowledge the context of the IDF’s operation in Jenin.

“Such remarks, without proper understanding of the security challenges faced by Israel, only serve to perpetuate a one-sided narrative and disregard the complex realities on the ground,” said Mond.

NJA emphasises the importance of informed and responsible statements from public figures, urging them to consider the broader context and strive for balanced perspectives when discussing sensitive issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

While regrettable loss of life occurred during the operation, NJA acknowledges the IDF’s commitment to minimising civilian casualties and regrets any innocent lives lost.

“The IDF’s focus on targeting specific threats while maintaining respect for the rule of law is a testament to their professionalism and dedication to upholding security in the face of adversity,” said Mond.

NJA stands in solidarity with Israel in its fight against terrorism and recognises the importance of these operations in safeguarding the region.

“Our thoughts are with all of the innocent civilians affected by the terrorist violence,” said Mond. “We hope this action will help to bring an end to this current round of terrorism.”

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