“The twenty-point penalty inflicted on ACR Messina is heavy news. It affects the expectations of an entire city and risks influencing the sporting path of the team. It will be important to have full clarity on this matter in the competent offices, where the club has already announced that it will assert its reasons” is Mayor Basile’s reaction to the news of the penalization of the football team. “The first thought goes to the fans, who once again find themselves experiencing a difficult moment without any responsibility. Those who love these colors and continue to support the team in the stands deserve respect and the right to look to the future with confidence. I want to clearly express my closeness and that of the municipal administration to the ownership. He believed in Messina and in the Giallorossi colors when it was not at all obvious to do so. He took over the sporting title through a judicial procedure, ratified by the federal bodies involved in various capacities, he has invested and continues to invest significant resources, with the aim of giving Messina back an ambitious perspective. Taking on the responsibility of a club with such a prestigious history is a courageous choice, which deserves recognition and support.”
“The municipal administration – continues Basile – has done and will continue to do its part, with full availability for discussion and collaboration, respecting the roles and rules. To this end the Administration will evaluate all possible initiatives to support Messina’s reasons. Institutional collaboration must accompany every serious relaunch project, and that of ACR Messina is. I hope that the appeal announced by the club brings full clarity and allows the sports project to be protected, together with the expectations of those who have chosen to invest in Messina. Ai My respect and encouragement go to the fans: their attachment to these colors is an extraordinary resource. Messina deserves to return to football with enthusiasm, ambition and confidence in the future.”
Vadalà: “The time to all stay united”
The Sports Councilor, Stello Vadalà, also intervenes on the topic: “There are decisions that strike straight at the heart of a sporting community, and this sanction is one of them. Seeing our team suddenly slip from first to last place in the rankings, after having conquered the top with merit, play and sacrifices on the field, really hurts and leaves a deep sense of bitterness. As Sports Policies Councilor, but first of all as a fan, I feel the need to hold on tight to the boys, the staff and the fans. This blow erases months of deserved victories and joys, but it cannot in the slightest affect the real value of this group. What Messina has expressed on the pitch remains written and under everyone’s eyes. No verdict, however heavy, will be able to take away our pride, our history and our footballing dignity situation in the energy necessary to attempt a feat that would be historic. As Councilor for Sport, I guarantee you that I will always be at your side, ready to support Messina to defend, with my head held high, the honor of our team and our city.