Stefano Furlan Plaque

On a crisp winter day in Trieste, a chilling tale unfolds before the Stefano Furlan Plaque. This plaque, a stark reminder of a life tragically cut short, commemorates Stefano Furlan, a 20-year-old Triestina fan. The Stefano Furlan Plaque stands as a silent testament to a day that forever scarred the city. It was February 8, 1984. A Coppa Italia match between Triestina and Udinese at the old Grezar stadium ended in a 0-0 draw. The real drama, however, unfolded after the final whistle. As tensions flared between rival fans and police, Stefano, a peaceful young man, found himself caught in the crossfire. While attempting to retrieve his car and head home, he was brutally attacked by police officers. Witnesses recounted a horrific scene: Stefano, held by two officers, was repeatedly struck with a baton by a third. His head was even slammed against a wall. He was then taken to the police station and later released. The following day, Stefano complained of a severe headache. His condition rapidly deteriorated, and he was rushed to the hospital, where he tragically fell into a coma and passed away on March 1, 1984. The Stefano Furlan Plaque serves as a somber reminder of the injustice that befell him. The officer responsible was eventually convicted but received a lenient sentence and was later reinstated to the police force. The Curva Sud of the new Nereo Rocco stadium now bears Stefano’s name, a tribute to the young man whose life was tragically cut short. The Stefano Furlan Plaque remains a poignant symbol of a life lost, a call for justice, and a plea for peace in the world of sports.