Serie A club Como, coached by former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, has announced new rules that could see season tickets revoked from fans who miss more than three home matches without what the club deems a valid reason. This policy, issued in a statement on Monday, has ignited a significant debate among supporters.
Another new rule prohibits fans from wearing opposing teams' shirts or scarves anywhere in the stadium, except within the designated away section. Chairman Mirwan Suwarso defended the measures, stating that demand for tickets far exceeds supply and the aim is to ensure tickets reach "genuine Como supporters – those who want to be there to back the team."
Suwarso added that the ban on rival team symbols outside the away end is for safety reasons, aiming to make the Giuseppe Sinigaglia stadium a "true home of our fans and a fortress for our team." He expressed a desire for the stadium to remain a place where families can enjoy football together.
However, the new rules have drawn criticism from many fans on social media, who argue that work, health, or family commitments can prevent attendance without diminishing loyalty. La Provincia, Como’s local newspaper, reported receiving numerous calls and emails from concerned supporters, with many asking if their season tickets would be taken away.
Como, who qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history last season, were playing in Serie D just in the 2018-19 season after two bankruptcies in 15 years.