Discriminatory chants prompt suspension of Roma-Napoli game

ROME (AP) — Discriminatory chants have prompted a Serie A soccer game between Roma and Napoli to be briefly suspended.

Referee Gianluca Rocchi made the decision in the second half Saturday after Roma fans aimed anti-territorial chants — which are treated in the same manner as racist chants — at Napoli. The game resumed after a few minutes.

Rocchi had already ordered an announcement to be made over the Stadio Olimpico’s public address system asking fans to stop the chants.

During the suspension, Rocchi gathered teams in the center circle, then Roma forward Edin Dzeko encouraged fans to applaud rather than jeer the opposition.

Roma led 2-0 at the time of the suspension.

Italy’s top tier has been marred by several incidents of fan racism this season.