La Reggina ai reggini” is the same writing that appeared on various banners posted outside the headquarters of some of the major companies in Reggio Calabria. The images, which appeared on the social channels of organized support, sound like an appeal for the city’s business class to commit to giving the team back local ownership. «From the people for the people: Reggina – the fans write – must return to the people of Reggio».
A fascinating hypothesis, but it is not known how feasible it will be in general in the future or even in the short term. The hope of the Curva Sud appears as another indirect message for the current ownership which has the Catania entrepreneur Ballarino as its majority shareholder. Last Sunday another banner appeared in the sector defining the company as “not worthy” of representing Reggio Calabria. The tangible discontent in recent weeks has spread far beyond the initial protesters. The risk of experiencing another non-winning season in Serie D is starting to become real. And what is worrying – as often happens – are the silences of the club, in the face of a situation that seems to have degenerated in football terms.
Just over two months have passed since thousands of people, in the name of the amaranth shirt, wanted to be at the team’s presentation. It was supposed to be the basis for reuniting the environment and experiencing a championship that lived up to expectations, but instead everything was wasted and the responsibilities fall on the top despite the fact that the performances on the pitch still disappoint. There is no crystal ball to understand what will happen and whether Ballarino and his partner Minniti will take a position in such a tense phase. There are several properties that, although contested, continue in football. Just as it is difficult to imagine their disengagement which would automatically leave room for others. Although the main stakeholders are the fans and their passion, Reggina remains a company subject to economic evaluations based on the market, credits and debts. For example, recently the Messina sports branch would have been purchased through the Bankruptcy Court for 210,000 euros, plus 650,000 euros of sports debts less a foreclosed guarantee of 350,000 euros. The category is the same, Reggina has higher management costs but also a brand supported by a more recent glorious past. Saying that the club is worth zero may be right, but the choice is always up to the seller. There is little talk about football being played. Good news for the team, which would otherwise be even more in the eye of the storm. Sunday we play in Acireale. Training resumed yesterday.
