Serie B Relegation Play-Off Abandoned Amid Fan Violence

The second leg of the Serie B relegation play-off between Salernitana and Sampdoria was abandoned on Sunday after chaotic scenes erupted at the Stadio Arechi in Salerno. Home fans threw smoke bombs, firecrackers, and even seats onto the pitch, forcing the match to be halted in the 65th minute.

Sampdoria were leading 2-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate when the unrest began. According to Italian media reports, Sampdoria are likely to be awarded a 3-0 victory, which would secure their place in Serie B and prevent what had seemed like an inevitable relegation to Serie C.

The Genoa-based club, Italian champions in 1991, had initially been relegated to Serie C for the first time in their 78-year history. However, they were granted a lifeline when Brescia were docked eight points, dropping them below Sampdoria and allowing the latter to enter the relegation play-off.

Tensions flared early in the match when Salernitana thought they had taken the lead through Gian Marco Ferrari, only for the goal to be disallowed for handball. Sampdoria capitalized on the frustration, with Massimo Coda scoring four minutes later. Giuseppe Sibilli added another goal just after halftime, extending Sampdoria's aggregate lead to 4-0.

As Salernitana's relegation to Serie C appeared increasingly certain, the home fans turned on their team. The match was interrupted multiple times before referee Daniele Doveri finally ordered the players off the field. Despite attempts to restart the game 10 minutes later, the continued barrage of objects from the stands led to its abandonment.

Salernitana, who only needed an aggregate draw to stay up due to their higher league position, will now face the consequences of their fans' actions. The second leg, originally scheduled for Friday, had already been postponed due to a severe food poisoning outbreak in the Salernitana camp, which affected 21 members of their traveling party.

As the situation unfolds, Sampdoria are poised to retain their Serie B status, while Salernitana's future in the league hangs in the balance.