TRIESTE. ‘The Nazi symbols on his body? They were made in their youth. Michele is an example of fairness in the ring and is an example for all our 40 young athletes ».
Denis Conte, Michele Broili’s coach, defends his athlete, sword drawn. But not only. Faced with the threat of disqualification or sanctions by the Federation, Conte relaunches, making Broili almost a victim: “According to the Coni and the FPI, athletes cannot be discriminated against for their political beliefs.”
Conte, what do you think of those tattoos with Nazi symbols and writings?
«In the gym we deal with sports and not with politics. There is no regulation that obliges you not to have tattoos and in any case by regulation among professionals you cannot wear a tank top.
Michele’s tattoos have been known for some time, certainly since March 2020 when a political controversy arose linked to the photo of Michele in the poster of the event scheduled at PalaChiarbola ».
When did those tattoos go back?
«We should ask Michele, however I believe they were made at least ten years ago, in my youth. I don’t know if Michele still identifies with those concepts. I repeat, we play sports, not politics ».
But the crime of apology for fascism is at stake here …
“We’ll see”.
The issue of tattoos was already well known. Had no sporting body ever raised this issue before?
«Of course the issue was known and, indeed, the FPI has always supported us because at a sporting level we have always behaved in an exemplary way.
Michele is the prototype of the athlete with an alarm clock at 4 in the morning and three daily workouts. It is an example of great dedication to sport for all our 40 young athletes ».
The national FPI has feared sanctions. What do you think?
«According to the Coni and the FPI, athletes cannot be discriminated against for their political beliefs. That said everyone knew about our athlete’s tattoos. We’ll see”.
Broili fought and lost for the Italian Superpiuma weight against an athlete of Moroccan descent. Someone spoke of karma …
«In the days before the match we met the opponent athlete. We all went to eat together. And it was nice. Michele is a correct person, both outside and inside the ring ».
Count, but is Broili aware of what he has tattooed on his body?
“I can not answer. You should ask him (at the moment, however, Michele Broili preferred to avoid commenting on the story, ed)».