A Milan tifoso is facing criminal proceedings after
launching a small mammal towards the turf at the Guiseppe
Meazza.
In the latest example of idiocy on the terraces, a 52 year old AC
Milan supporter is currently being prosecuted for throwing a rabbit
towards the pitch during the Milan Derby on March 11, 2007,
according to the Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian sports daily reports that the creature had its four
legs tied together and was inscribed with the legend "Coniglio
nerazzurro", or "Red-and-black Rabbit." Suitably attired, the
rabbit was propelled from the lower tier to the sidelines.
Some quick-witted stewards were able to spot and then recover the
animal in the midst of the derby encounter. The stadium staff
rushed the rabbit to the infirmary where, despite injury and shock,
the "Coniglio nerazzuro" pulled through and has now been
adopted.
Attorney for the defence, one M.V. di Vigevano, is pushing for a
light punishment of a fine for animal cruelty, which could range up
to a 10,000 Euro fine for the rabbit-launcher.
However, the prosecution contends that the offender could also be
hit hard for throwing dangerous items at a sporting event; in
Italy, this crime can garner one to four years in prison.
The San Siro is no stranger to bizarre incidents of crowd trouble.
In a famous incident in 2001, some resourceful yet eminently stupid
Inter fans decided to launch a small moped from an upper tier of
the famous stadium. Remarkably, there were no deaths.
