Why Whistles Banned In San Siro Ahead Of Romelu Lukaku’s Return To Face Inter Milan With Roma

Whistles have been banned at the San Siro for when Romelu Lukaku returns with Roma in tomorrow evening’s Serie A clash with Inter Milan.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, give an account of the decision not to allow whistles into the stadium.

Tomorrow Inter welcome Roma to the San Siro for the first of two league meetings this season.

Beyond the significance of the fixture in itself, the match will also see striker Romelu Lukaku return to the stadium for the first time since his controversial departure from Inter.

The Belgian had spent last season on loan with the Nerazzurri from Chelsea.

But then Lukaku’s relationship with Inter broke down in what proved to be the soap opera of the summer in Serie A.

Naturally the fan reception for the striker’s antics and the circumstances of his exit has not been positive.

Therefore, it has always looked likely that Lukaku would get a very negative response from Inter fans at the San Siro any time he plays there – and in particular, the first time back.

And in fact, Inter ultras group the Curva Nord had promised to distribute 50,000 whistles for tomorrow’s match.

This was so that the Nerazzurri fans could make their disapproval audible with even greater volume.

Whistles Banned At San Siro For Romelu Lukaku Return In Inter Roma Clash

But the authorities have put a stop to the Nord’s plans.

Naturally it will not be feasible to prevent the entry of every single whistle into the stadium.

But the authorities have made clear that they will not be allowing whistles into the stadium.

The GOS (Operational Security Group) held discussions with both clubs and with a senior police officer to discuss the whistles.

Given that the whistles are not made of iron, they are not deemed to be potentially dangerous options.

However, the potential for disruption was also taken into consideration.

Moreover, the Gazzetta note, there would be the possibility of Inter receiving punishment if whistles are audible in the stadium during tomorrow’s match.

There is also some uncertainty regarding whether this decision has come as a result of a direct request from Roma.

The Giallorossi have denied that they made any direct request.

But according to the Gazzetta, some institutional sources claim otherwise.

These sources indicate that an e-mail arrived from Roma specifically asking for a ban on whistles at tomorrow’s match.

What is clear in any event is that, barring further developments, there will be no whistles.

That is, unless a new and revised decision comes in.