Serie A: Male football players in Italy put red marks on faces in campaign to eliminate violence against women

The initiative coincided with rallies across Italy to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, just as an Italian man suspected of killing his ex-girlfriend was extradited from Germany.

A red mark is painted on the face of Tommaso Pobega to promote International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women during a Serie A match between AC Milan and Fiorentina at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy. | Photo Credit: AP

Players and coaches across the top men’s football league in Italy had red marks painted on their faces to promote a campaign for the elimination of violence against women on Saturday.

The initiative coincided with rallies across Italy to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, just as an Italian man suspected of killing his ex-girlfriend was extradited from Germany.

A banner is displayed by fans in reference to the death of Giulia Cecchettin as the teams walk onto the pitch ahead of the Women’s Champions League match between AS Roma and Ajax Amsterdam. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

The slaying of 22-year-old university student Giulia Cecchettin, allegedly at the hands of her former boyfriend, sparked outrage across Italy, where on average one woman is killed every three days.

Players and coaches in the Serie A league had the red marks on their cheeks and the initiative will continue for matches on Sunday and Monday.

The slogan for the initiative translated to “a red card against violence”.