«We are surprised to learn that Empoli FC has started selling tickets for the Empoli-Cagliari match , scheduled for Sunday 6 April at the “Carlo Castellani” stadium, excluding all residents of the Sardinia region from the possibility of purchasing , even if they have a Cagliari Calcio “Passione Casteddu” loyalty card. To date, Cagliari Calcio is not aware of any official provision confirming this ban».
This is how the rossoblù club comments on the decision to ban Sardinian fans from travelling to Sunday's relegation clash. The decision is not final, but at the moment it is like this: residents of the island cannot buy tickets.
The provision could be confirmed or modified by the Casms, the security analysis committee, which could eventually introduce the obligation of a loyalty card for residents in Sardinia or eliminate the residency requirement.
"While waiting for a provision from the authorities - the rossoblù club writes in a note - we sincerely hope that the institutions in charge will carefully consider the well-known difficulties linked to insularity, which already make it difficult for the rossoblù fans to travel. It is important to highlight how many supporters have already incurred significant economic costs, purchasing flights or ferry tickets in advance to reach Tuscany and follow their favorite team. We therefore hope that our supporters will be guaranteed the possibility of freely exercising their right to follow the team away from home ."
Cagliari Calcio «has always actively collaborated with the competent authorities to ensure maximum safety in the stadiums and will continue to do so. However, we express strong doubts about any decisions that continue to indiscriminately and unjustifiably penalize an entire population, traditionally loyal and hospitable , who intend to experience the sporting event in compliance with the rules and the spirit of sport. We therefore trust in a fair intervention by the institutions - the conclusion - so as to avoid territorial discrimination and ensure full protection of the rights of the rossoblù fans. We remind you that in the event of a ban on away matches, our fans will be able to appeal to the TAR to revoke the order - as recently happened successfully by the Fiorentina fans for the away match in Monza - or request compensation for damages resulting from the costs already incurred to purchase transport tickets».
(Online Union)