Reports: Ultras issue reignites as authorities ban ‘Sodalizio Rossonero’ banner before derby

A dispute between the Curva Sud and the authorities is set to reignite again after the group were told that a banner is not permitted.

According to both MilanNews and MilanPress, an email sent on Thursday informed the Curva Sud leaders that – following new investigations – the ‘Sodalizio Rossonero’ banner is no longer authorised to enter the San Siro stadium.

It is believed to be a directive from the Milan Prosecutor’s Office, and it’s not hard to imagine this decision coming from those who are a part of the ‘Doppia Curva’ investigation, which has caused a lot of tension in recent months.

Following the first-instance ruling, the Milan ultras have been hit by a series of bans and the removal of banners from the main groups in their section, such as Curva Sud Milano, Vecchia Maniera, and Estremi Rimedi, as well as those from the first tier too.

Discussions have been ongoing for weeks between the parties, with an agreement reached before Milan vs. Napoli regarding the banners that subsequently appeared in the Milan vs. Fiorentina game.

Given that certain Curva iconography was banned, ‘Sodalizio Rossonero (Red and Black Partnership)’ was chosen as the new main name. These banners were approved by everyone, including the police headquarters and the club, then regularly appearing in home and away games.

Now comes another blow, with the email denying Sodalizio permission to enter San Siro. The communication doesn’t explain the reasons for this new ban, but it does refer to ‘new investigations’ of which none of the parties involved are aware.

What happens now?

There is an obvious question: what will happen on Sunday night for the derby? There’s no definitive answer at the moment, because the board was suddenly hit by the new restrictive measure, and there are many matters to be discussed.

The team are not to blame for what’s happening in the Prosecutor’s Office, and the derby is a game unlike any other, but it could also be the right platform to make dissent against what’s happening that would be heard worldwide.

It’s likely that the final decision will be made close to the match, evaluating each individual situation, especially given the unique nature of the match. It had already been reported that the Curva Nord and Curva Sud were not planning on unveiling tifos anyway, but now there could be a bigger protest.