West Ham fans' Mafia jibe t-shirts spark Sicilian riot

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Hooligans from both sides fought running battles with police and each other overnight Wednesday ahead of last night's Uefa cup match.

In the first leg, West ham fans wore t-shirts with the words "Hammers vs The Mafia" across them which led to a diplomatic row.

The shirts, which featured a puppet-string figure similar to the log used in the Godfather films, caused outrage with Sicilian regional governor Salvatore Cuffaro claiming they were "offensive to all Sicilians".

Now it has emerged Mr Cuffaro has produced the new shirts – in Palermo's traditional pink and black colours – featuring the slogan: "La Mafia mi fa schifo. La Liberta e' cosa nostra."

It translates as "I hate the Mafia. Freedom is our thing."

The shirts were due to be handed out free-of-charge before the match.

Presenting the shirts, Mr Cuffaro said they were a farewell gift to West Ham fans: "This is how we've decided to welcome the English fans, so we can leave the whole business behind."

Palermo lead 1-0 ahead of tonight's second leg.