Police in Venice have fined the parents of 14 children, aged between 12 and 13, for playing football in a public square on the island of Murano. The incident occurred earlier this month in Pino Signoretto square when a resident complained about the noise. Officers identified the children and issued €50 (£43) fines to their parents for playing in a prohibited area, citing disturbance to public peace and danger to passers-by.
Antonio Trampus, father of one of the children, said his son called him in tears. He criticised the police for not contacting parents first, stating: 'They could have called us parents and asked us to take our children home. Instead, they immediately took their names and addresses.' The fine could rise to €500 if unpaid within 60 days, but Trampus said they will not pay and plan to appeal to the mayor.
The fines are based on 2019 regulations banning ball games in certain areas of Venice. In Murano, the only permitted square is San Bernardo. However, parents argue that Pino Signoretto square was never listed as banned, as it was recently created after redevelopment. Trampus said San Bernardo is not suitable, while the other square is, and removing children would return it to its previous state.
Local councillor Marco Gasparinetti called the police intervention disproportionate, questioning priorities in a city facing overtourism and pickpocketing. He wrote on Facebook: 'Were they scammers? Pickpockets? Drug dealers? No, they were the parents of [14] children.' He suggested taking the ball away would have been more educational. Retired footballer Paolo Poggi also weighed in, saying: 'Long live children who spend time outdoors. The rules are sacrosanct, but common sense is needed.'
