Football referees in Italy will now enjoy the same legal protection as police officers and other officials.
The decision was made in response to an increase in attacks on referees. The changes to the legislation will lead to tougher penalties for acts of violence against referees, including shocks, beatings, or threats to life—up to and including imprisonment.
Recall that in football, there are also reverse cases—recently in Italy, they suspended a referee who offended a player for two years.
