AN 85-year-old fan launched an impassioned rant after his team announced they are moving home games more than 300 miles away.
Italian side Taranto FC 1927 have played at the Stadio Erasmo Iacovone since it was built in 1965.
The stadium is located in Taranto but the club has been forced to move while a new stadium is built on the site of the current ground.
So the Serie C outfit have come up with a solution that has infuriated some supporters – moving the team 310 miles north to Teramo.
One elderly supporter named Carmine fumed at the decision and made his feelings clear during a fiery tirade.
He said: “It’s been 75 years that I’ve been coming to the stadium.
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“I’m a season ticket holder, I have the right to see the games here in Taranto, or at least if it was 40km away.
“I can’t miss what keeps me alive, I have a few years left. Why do you have to take away the enjoyment I get from watching my Taranto.
“These are my colours. Do something about it or I’ll curse you for eternity when I’m in heaven.”
Carmine broke down in tears during his speech but was later invited to a press conference by Taranto head coach Ezio Capuano.
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Carmine repeated his request for the club to remain in its hometown as Capuano revealed it was his honour to host the fan.
Of the proposed move, Capuano said: “For me it’s an honour to have this gentleman here who I didn’t know before. I have goosebumps.
“It’s not football, it’s sport, not Taranto, but the whole world. This morning some children asked me what they will do next year.
“It’s not an appeal for the protection of Taranto, but for people who live for their own team, whether it’s football, handball or basketball. You can’t steal a feeling from people like this gentleman or children.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
