Italian Policeman Faces Homicide Charge

An Italian policeman who shot dead a football fan, sparking nationwide riots, now faces a charge of voluntary homicide, his lawyer said Thursday.

Police had initially said the officer was under investigation for manslaughter after the killing of Gabriele Sandri, 28, at a motorway rest area near the central city of Arezzo on Sunday.

But on Thursday, a judge in Arezzo elevated the investigation to voluntary homicide, the lawyer told reporters. According to official accounts, the policeman, who has not been named, had opened fire in a bid to intervene between rival fans who were fighting in the rest area.

Sandri had been sat in a car and the policeman fired two shots, one of which struck him in the neck.The death sparked violent clashes between football supporters and security forces in several cities.

Thousands attended Sandri's funeral this week and many demanded justice. Italian football authorities have ordered the suspension of second and third division football matches this weekend.

The Italian watchdog for public safety at sporting events on Thursday barred the supporters of six first division clubs from traveling to matches on November 24 and 25, the first weekend when the championship resumes.

Followers of Atalanta, Catania, AC Milan, AS Rome, Sampdoria and Turin were all barred from travelling, the agency said on its website. Five third division clubs are also barred.Authorities also plan new restrictions on fans with a record of violence from traveling in groups.