MILAN, Italy (AP) _ Head stewards at Italian soccer stadiums could be armed next season.
Gazzetta dello Sport reported Friday that Italian authorities are considering the move as part of a revamped security package at games in Italy's top leagues. In February, a police officer was killed during rioting at a Serie A match between Catania and Palermo.
In April, the government decided to adopt the so-called ``English model'' of placing stewards in charge of security inside soccer stadiums, while leaving police to control fans outside.
From next season, between 150 to 250 stewards will marshal spectators at matches in stadiums with more than a 7,500-seat capacity, with one head steward for every 20 regular stewards.
However, Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini warned against giving officials guns.
``In England, they only have batons. That's enough,'' Zamparini said. ``Firearms are a sign of incivility.''
The idea, proposed by the Interior Ministry, is to be examined by parliament's Constitutional and Cultural Affairs Committee, Gazzetta reported.
The Italian Senate has also passed anti-violence laws, which include tougher penalties for violent supporters and decrees that ban stadiums that do not meet safety requirements.
