Genoa match halted as ultras demand players hand over their shirts, which they did

A small group of Genoa ultras put on an incredible display of fan power during Sunday's match against Siena. After Siena took a 4-0 lead over relegation-threatened Genoa early in the second half, the ultras began their protest.

From Football Italia:

Genoa were losing 4-0 at the53rd minute when theMarassicrowd halted play by throwing fireworks and climbing on top of the tunnel.

Captain Marco Rossi went to negotiate with the ultras, who demanded the squad remove their jerseys, as they were "unworthy" of wearing the Genoacolours.

After some time, the players accepted and there were tears fromGiandomenico Mestoas he handed over his shirt.

Rossi was walking around the pitch with a pile of jerseys to show the fans, but GiuseppeScullirefused to co-operate.

Sculli then went over to the ultras standing atop the tunnel and delivered an impassioned plea, making it clear that he didn't want to hand over his shirt because he was giving his all. Goalkeeper Sebastien Frey also refused to take off his shirt and argued with fans behind his goal. As the riot police continued to loiter, Sculli's speech and the supporters' protest then ended with Sculli in tears and being consoled by one of the ultras.

Here's video (via 101gg) of how the odd scene unfolded...

The match then resumed after a 45-minute delay and finished without further incident as Genoa lost 4-1 (their one goal was a Siena own goal).

After the match, Italian football chiefs expressed their unease over fans exhibiting so much control. From the AP:!

''This violence is unacceptable,'' Italian soccer federation President Giancarlo Abete said. ''These are not fans. I hope these people are found and condemned. They shouldn't ever be allowed to enter stadiums again.''

Genoa president Enrico Preziosi said ''it's upsetting that 60 or 100 people have the impunity to do and say what they feel like without being stopped and sent home.''

''It's not possible that they take over the stadium and impose their laws,'' he said.

Well, it appears that it is, Mr. Preziosi.