[dukeofdavinci]

Foundation for slain Lazio fan Friday 8 February, 2008

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Lazio star Lorenzo De Silvestri was “honoured” to inaugurate a foundation dedicated to Gabriele Sandri, the fan accidentally shot dead by police.


De Silvestri was one of several Biancocelesti players who were friends of the DJ and were devastated to hear he had been shot in the back of a car in November.


Sandri had been travelling to Lazio’s Serie A game with Inter at San Siro when the bullet was fired to quell an altercation between groups of supporters at a motorway service station.


“I am very honoured to represent Lazio and, in my own small way, Gabriele,” said the Under-21 international defender.


“Gabbo was always very close to me, both as a fan and a friend. I will do everything I can even with small gestures to help this foundation, which wants the best for youngsters and sport.”


The Gabriele Sandri Foundation will help those who are the victims of violence, although not necessarily within the world of sport.


“His memory accompanies me every time I play,” continued De Silvestri. “Every time I step on to the field I think of him and it charges me up. I have his name embroidered into my boots and hope I can score many goals for him.”


Also in attendance at the ceremony were Mayor of Rome Walter Veltroni, the Sandri family, Roma goalkeeper Gianluca Curci, Luca Di Bartolomei and Stefano Re Cecconi to represent the two clubs.


“This Foundation will be aimed against every act of violence and named after a Roman lad who was loved by many in this city,” explained Veltroni.


“It is an initiative that ties in well with Giorgio Sandri’s proposal to watch the Rome derby in the Curva Sud, sending a message he loves sport and life and wants to defend them.”


Giorgio Sandri is Gabriele Sandri’s father and suggested watching the derby in the Giallorossi end of the Stadio Olimpico.

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