30,000 Genoa fans hold mock funeral for relegated Sampdoria

When Sampdoria sealed their relegation from Serie A with a loss against Palermo, captain Angelo Palombo was so distraught that he wept on the pitch like he just put down Old Yeller. It was a disastrous season -- going from fourth place last year to finishing 18th being dropped down to Serie B -- and one that will hurt Sampdoria fans for some time. So to poke those wounds while they're still wide open, fans of fierce city rivals Genoa CFC (who finished 10th this season) held a massive mock funeral in the streets for their doomed neighbors.

From the Guardian:

With nothing riding on their last game against Cesena, Genoa's supporters took the time to enjoy the relegation of their neighbours Sampdoria. A five-minute silence was held by supporters during the game to mark Samp's passing, and afterwards a 30,000-strong 'funeral' procession carried a coffin draped in Sampdoria's colours through the city.

30,000! 30,000 people poured into the streets to take part in an elaborate joke at their depressed rivals' expense. And it wasn't just the coffin painted in Sampdoria's colors, either. They also had pallbearers in special robes carrying it, along with priests and even a crying/laughing "widow" dressed in black (55 seconds into the video).

Genoa fans better enjoy being the city's only Serie A club next season because Sampdoria fans will certainly be plotting their revenge as they hope for a quick return to the top flight. And for Genoa to suffer the same fate they have.

Credit to HyperVocal for the spot. Photos of the event here! . < /p>