A Milan tifoso is facing criminal proceedings after launching a small mammal towards the turf at the Guiseppe Meazza.In the latest example of idiocy on the terraces, a 52 year old AC Milan supporter is currently being prosecuted for throwing a rabbit towards the pitch during the Milan Derby on March 11, 2007, according to the Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian sports daily reports that the creature had its four legs tied together and was inscribed with the legend "Coniglio nerazzurro", or "Red-and-black Rabbit." Suitably attired, the rabbit was propelled from the lower tier to the sidelines.
Some quick-witted stewards were able to spot and then recover the animal in the midst of the derby encounter. The stadium staff rushed the rabbit to the infirmary where, despite injury and shock, the "Coniglio nerazzuro" pulled through and has now been adopted.
Attorney for the defence, one M.V. di Vigevano, is pushing for a light punishment of a fine for animal cruelty, which could range up to a 10,000 Euro fine for the rabbit-launcher.
However, the prosecution contends that the offender could also be hit hard for throwing dangerous items at a sporting event; in Italy, this crime can garner one to four years in prison.
The San Siro is no stranger to bizarre incidents of crowd trouble. In a famous incident in 2001, some resourceful yet eminently stupid Inter fans decided to launch a small moped from an upper tier of the famous stadium. Remarkably, there were no deaths.
