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A page of sport, dignity, and solidarity. This is what U.S. Lecce wrote on Sunday, April 27, after the loss of Graziano Fiorita.

Lecce courageously denounces a painful reality

Graziano Fiorita was a historic collaborator of the club. From his passing and the indifference of the Federation, a gesture full of meaning was born. Despite the mourning and emotionally devastating situation, the team chose to honor their teammate by taking the field against Atalanta, but they did it their way: wearing a white jersey, devoid of emblems and colors, with a simple but powerful inscription: “No value, no color”.

This gesture was made even stronger by the official statement released by the club, openly denouncing the decision of the League to proceed with the match. The request for postponement was denied, described as “terribly disrespectful” towards the pain of the entire Lecce family. “A hierarchy of death emerges – as stated in an official note – based on the badge of the clubs or the role of the deceased person.”

The incident

Lecce recalled that Graziano Fiorita, the team’s physiotherapist, passed away while on retreat with the team, far from home and his family. Despite the deep sorrow, the club chose to respect the rules, appearing on the field as scheduled but making their dissent visible.

With a silent yet powerful gesture. No symbols, no colors, waiting for Graziano to return home and receive the farewell he deserves. The team left only yesterday morning from Salento, after hoping until the last minute for a postponement. Despite everything, they managed to secure a valuable point, but today, more than the result, the message matters: respect, coherence, and humanity are worth more than any ranking.

What the regulations say

The decision to postpone a match due to mourning generally depends on the competition’s regulations, the seriousness of the event, and other specific factors. Normally, regulations allow for postponement in exceptional cases, such as national mourning or particularly serious events directly affecting the competition.

What happened at Lecce shows that there may be a loophole in the regulatory system. The current regulations, in fact, do not always adequately protect those within a club facing such deep and immediate grief. It is clear that a revision of the rules is needed. Anyone who loses a family member or loved one — whether a player, a staff member, or a historic collaborator — should have the right to suspend the match. It is essential that they can grieve with the respect and time they need.

Lecce, a lesson in humanity

It is not just about sensitivity, but about recognizing the human value that every sports club carries. Beyond results and calendar obligations. Football must remain a tool of community, empathy, and values. Ignoring the pain of those who work every day for a team means betraying its most authentic spirit.

Graziano’s story has highlighted a deep flaw: now the world of sports has the opportunity — and the duty — to reflect and intervene, to avoid repeating similar mistakes. Lecce has shown that sport can still be a vehicle for true values. It has given a great lesson in humanity. And for this, all Lecce fans can and must feel proud.