Crespo calls for change as tensions rise in Milan

Hernan Crespo has rebuilt his career since returning to Italy, but his revitalisation as a world-class striker has come at a price.

The Argentine's joy at scoring 14 goals for AC Milan this season has been stifled by his discovery of a cancer at the core of a country he considers his spiritual home.

What was once known as the English disease is alive and kicking in the land of calcio.

While Spain has had its name blackened by its shocking acceptance of casual racism, Italian football is fighting enemies on several fronts, from increasing terrace support for fascist slogans, violence between opposing supporters and repeated outbursts of missile throwing.

With their shaven heads, beer bellies and ghastly tattoos, English fans may still present the public face of hooliganism, but Italian Ultras are replacing them as the real enemy of football.

Coming on top of the rioting that marred Pope John Paul II's memorial weekend and the fascist slogans carried by Lazio fans a few days ago, scenes in the San Siro last night have emphasised the problem.

Crespo said: "It's a very sad day for Italian football. It is showing a very bad image to the world. It's not the true picture, but it's very sad. We're getting all this attention because of two incidents close together. Something has to change."

His team-mate, Portuguese midfielder Rui Costa, said: "It steals a little bit of the taste of our victory to end the game like this. If things carry on like this, then tomorrow there won't be anyone in the stadium because families and children will be scared to come to games. That will ruin football, so UEFA have to do something."