Referees in Italy will now be granted the same legal protection as police officers and other public officials, according to Sports Minister Andrea Abodi. This initiative aims to reduce the increasing number of assaults in sports like soccer. A modification to the penal code will introduce significantly harsher penalties, including possible imprisonment, for acts of violence against match officials. These acts include pushing, hitting, or threatening referees. The decision follows months of discussions between the government and the Italian Soccer Referees Association. The law, which is part of a decree approved by the Italian government late on Friday, extends protection to all officials responsible for ensuring fair conduct in sporting events. Abuse towards match officials at all levels of Italian soccer has become an escalating concern. In December, Serie A referees highlighted this issue by wearing black smudges on their cheeks during matches as a form of protest. One notorious incident from last season involved 19-year-old referee Diego Alfonzetti, who was attacked while officiating a youth match in Sicily. In a show of solidarity, Alfonzetti was invited onto the pitch alongside the match officials before the Lazio-Rome Serie A derby in April. “Sport is about loyalty and sharing. Those who do not accept this are warned: from tomorrow, violent behaviour and aggression against referees will be punished immediately, even with prison,” stated Senator Andrea Ostellari, a junior justice minister. (with agency inputs)