The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has suspended all matches indefinitely after a policeman was killed at a Serie A match between Catania and Palermo.

Commissioner Luca Pancalli said: “What we’re witnessing has nothing to do with soccer, so Italian soccer is stopping.”

Pancalli had warned earlier this week that more violence would bring a halt to league matches after clashes between supporters and police in several cities last Sunday. “One day is not sufficient,” Pancalli added after proceeding with his threat. “Without drastic measures, we cannot play again.

Catania club executive Pietro Lo Monaco reacted to news of the officer’s death by announcing he would leave football.

I’ve heard that a policeman has died,” he said. “To speak of football right now seems useless. For me this is the end. I will leave the football world.

Hooligan violence can be stopped. We remember English fans and the disasters they wrought in the 80’s — at home and abroad. It wasn’t until national and league teams were banned from competition abroad that the weight of reason and law was brought to bear.

The sanctions worked well — not 100% — but, damned well. They forced the banning of thugs from sport.

This will have to happen in Italy. The national teams, club teams should face the same sanctions that applied to England. Then, the owners will support real police work instead of lip service. Padlocking the wallet always seems to work.