Why Serie A referees have a black mark on their faces | OneFootball

All Serie A officials will take to the field with a smudge of black paint on their cheeks in matches across the 15th week of 2024-25 fixtures in a stand against violence towards referees.

Why Serie A referees have a black mark on their faces

The AIA, the Italian equivalent of the PGMOL, recently announced that they will take a firm stance against a worrying, yet growing issue in Italian football: Abuse towards match officials across all levels of the game.

According to reports from Il Messaggero, a young referee recently suffered a fractured elbow as a result of a confrontation and subsequent brawl during a category three match near Perugia.

“Showing this symbol to everyone, from Serie A to amateur and youth levels, is aimed at raising awareness among players about this real social plague,” AIA President Carlo Pacifici said.

Referee Rosario Abisso is the first top-flight official to wear the black mark on his face, as he takes charge of Inter’s match at home against Parma on Friday evening. He is expected to be followed by all of his Serie A colleagues over the weekend.

Two weeks ago, players wore red marks on their faces in a completely separate campaign promoted by the Lega Serie A, which was intended to take a stand against domestic violence.

Players of Juventus pose for a team photo ahead of kick off against AC Milan. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)