Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Lazio following the distribution of flyers which urged women to be banned from the Curva Nord section of their ground, the Italian football association (FIGC) has confirmed to ESPN FC.
Ahead of their Serie A opener against Napoli, a group of Lazio ultras handed out flyers which claimed the Curva Nord was a "sacred space" and should avoided by women.
"The Curva Nord represents for us a sacred space, an environment with an unwritten code to be respected," the flyer read. "The first few rows, as always, have been experienced like the trenches.
"In the trenches, we do not allow women, wives and girlfriends -- so we invite them to position themselves from the 10th row back. Those who choose the stadium as an alternative to a carefree and romantic day in Villa Borghese [public gardens in Rome], should go to other sections.''
Posted by Riccardo Cotumaccio on Saturday, 18 August 2018
It was signed by "Direttivo Diabolik Pluto", who is a leader of the Irreducibili group. The flyer caused uproar, with many labelling it sexist, and Italian football's governing body have confirmed they are opening an investigation.
Lazio had earlier distanced themselves from the flyer, insisting they did not share this position and "are against discrimination."
Meanwhile, Suor Paola, an well-known Lazio-supporting nun, confirmed she would be in the Curva for the next match.
"It's absurd to say that women cannot go in the Curva Nord," she said. "For the next match, I will go. Even if other women don't, I will be there."
Lazio's next home match is against newly-promoted Frosinone on Sept. 2.