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An Italian playoff match was interrupted as outraged fans hurled flares, firecrackers, and seats onto the field.
Players were ordered to vacate the pitch 65 minutes into Sampdoria’s relegation fight against Salernitana.
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Sampdoria had a 2-0 lead at the Stadio Arechi on Sunday night, and a 4-0 advantage on aggregate.
Angry Salernitana supporters vented their frustration as relegation loomed.
Riot police intervened amid the turmoil, guiding players to the locker rooms while flares were launched from the stands.
Referee Daniele Doveri attempted to restart the match ten minutes later.
However, flares and chairs continued to rain down onto the pitch.
The game was ultimately called off, allowing Sampdoria to avoid relegation to Serie C for the first time in their history.
Massimo Coda and Giuseppe Sibilli scored either side of halftime, giving Sampdoria a solid lead in the playoff.
Salernitana only needed an aggregate draw to stay in the league due to their superior position in the standings.
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The atmosphere among fans soured in the first half when Gian Piero Ferrari’s goal was disallowed for offside.
Tempers flared at Stadio Arechi shortly after Sibilli scored at the start of the second half.
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Following the first leg last week, EIGHT Salernitana players suffered from severe food poisoning and needed hospitalization.
The match was postponed from Friday night to Sunday as a consequence.
Reports suggest that many players fell ill after consuming a meal prepared on a chartered flight from their hotel.
In total, 21 team members, including the eight affected players, reportedly faced “gastrointestinal problems” and were in “excruciating pain”.
