Serie A to stop for Pope John Paul?
Pope John Paul II's failing health has prompted many to call for Serie A football to be postponed this weekend, though it seems as if the games will go ahead.
The 84-year-old Pontiff is suffering from heart and respiratory problems. Lazio-Livorno is set to be played in Rome on Saturday afternoon and reports suggested it could be rescheduled.
“We knew this course of action was on the cards after his condition worsened, and I’d consider it an important gesture,” said Livorno President Aldo Spinelli. “I spoke to League chief Adriano Galliani this afternoon and he assured me the game would go ahead.”
Bologna tactician Carlo Mazzone also supported a suspension of sporting events in Italy. “We should stop now. It’s the least we can do for a person who has given so much to mankind.”
Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti added, “I think it right to pause for reflection in this situation. I met The Pope in the 1980’s and he has always been close to the people. You got this wonderful sense of serenity from him and I expect that’s how he’s experiencing these hours.”
Brescia patron Luigi Corioni aimed a sideswipe at the cynical side of the sport. “It would be a wonderful gesture to halt the games, but I don’t know if football is capable of such a thing. It would be the chance to pay tribute to an extraordinary man who changed the world.”
The calendar is already packed due to the new 20-team Serie A format and Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini insisted the show must go on.
“With all due respect for Pope John Paul II, I don’t think football should stop. Perhaps we should look at the Lazio-Livorno situation because it is in Rome, but halting everything is another matter entirely.”
The CONI announced that "a moment of prayer and reflection" would take place before each sporting event this weekend.（channel4）
发表于 2005-4-2 18:20:00
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发表于 2005-4-2 18:47:00
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