Inter fans sentenced for clashes that left 1 supporter dead
MILAN (AP) — Six Inter Milan fans received jail sentences Wednesday for the violent clashes with Napoli supporters that left one fan dead in December.
The sentences handed out by a Milan judge ranged from 22 to 44 months, with one fan reaching a plea bargain deal after collaborating with authorities during the investigation.
Investigators believe that Daniele Belardinelli, the 35-year-old fan who died, was fatally struck by a van or SUV during the clashes outside the San Siro Stadium.
Authorities said the Inter fans instigated the clashes with a pre-planned assault on a large group of Napoli's hardcore ultras, who avoided police detection by arriving in mini-vans.
Several Napoli fans were injured in the clashes — during which bars, knives and other weapons were used.
The Dec. 26 match was also marred by racist chants aimed at Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Investigations are ongoing to determine other fans involved and to identify the vehicles used.
Inter was forced to play two games in an empty stadium in January as a result of the clashes and racist chants.
