Ascoli go ballistic over ban

Ascoli are to contest the decision to make them play two games at a neutral stadium.

Ascoli are to appeal against the decision to force them to play their next two home games at a neutral stadium behind closed doors.

The ban was imposed following an incident in which a retired nurse almost lost her eyesight after being hit in the face by a firecracker launched by youths at Sampdoria fans from a homemade rocket launcher.

Club administrator Roberto Benigni feels that the indictment serves only to punish the well-behaved majority for an act perpetrated by two mindless youngsters.

"I think this punishment is too severe," he said. "It punishes the club, the squad and the fans, who showed a great sense of responsibility during the game.

"This was an act done by two youngsters who have nothing to do with our regular fan following, while now our real supporters and the squad has to pay for this.

"The Del Duca stadium has an added value for us and to have to play away and without fans will be very hard for us."