Italy’s national team recently paid tribute to the victims of the Heysel tragedy that occurred in 1985 before their Nations League match against Belgium. The match took place at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, which was built on the site of the old Heysel Stadium where 39 Juventus fans lost their lives during the European Cup Final against Liverpool.
Coach Luciano Spalletti, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon, and all the Italy players placed flowers at the plaque honoring the memory of the victims. The team expressed their deep respect for those who lost their lives and their families, emphasizing the importance of ensuring such a tragedy never happens again.
Spalletti highlighted the need to remember the tragic events of that day and to use them as a reminder to protect the beauty of the sport in the future. The team laid three sets of flowers at the spot where the wall collapsed, symbolizing the colors of the Italian flag – green, white, and red.
The presence of the Azzurri at the site of the Heysel tragedy was a gesture of respect and remembrance for the victims. FIGC President Gravina emphasized the significance of memory in shaping individuals and the football community, stressing that the pain of the tragedy should never be forgotten to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
In addition to the Italian team, representatives of the Belgian Government and football federation also participated in the tribute by laying flowers at the plaque. The joint effort to honor the memory of the Heysel victims highlighted the importance of unity and remembrance in the football community.
The tragic events of the Heysel tragedy serve as a somber reminder of the impact of hooliganism and violence in football. As the sport continues to evolve and grow, it is crucial to uphold the values of respect, sportsmanship, and unity both on and off the field. By paying tribute to the victims and ensuring that their memory lives on, teams like Italy and Belgium are taking a stand against violence and advocating for a safer and more inclusive football environment for all.