Italy chief threatens to halt play after violent weekend

ROME, Jan 29 (Reuters) - The president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has threatened to halt the country's championships after a weekend of violence left one man dead.

"We are on high alert. To defend referees and the image of football, I am ready to take drastic measures," Luca Pancalli said in a statement on the FIGC's website on Monday.

"I hope that with the contribution of everyone -- officials, coaches and players on the pitch and also the true fans and football lovers in the stadiums -- we can restore a climate of sportsmanship and respect that will avoid a stop to the leagues."

Tragedy struck in the southern town of Luzzi on Saturday when an official of amateur league club Sammartinese died after being caught up in a fight at the end of a game.

Ermanno Licursi, 40, collapsed and died after being punched while trying to separate brawling players and fans at the end of a match against local rivals Cancellese.

The violence continued on Sunday in cities across the country.

In Florence, a Livorno fan needed 20 stitches in his head after being attacked by Fiorentina fans shortly before their teams met at the Stadio Franchi.

In the northern city of Bergamo, police battled with a hundred Atalanta fans who tried to attack coaches carrying supporters of visiting team Catania.

In the fourth division, Serie D, a game between Genzano and Normanna was suspended early in the second half after a linesman was hit by a drum thrown from the stands.

Updated on Monday, Jan 29, 2007 2:25 pm EST