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ROME (AP) — Roma's most ardent supporters have stayed away from the derby match against Lazio in protest at barriers introduced at the start of last season in their area.
Normally filled with supporters waving huge banners, lighting flares and singing, half of the "curva sud" — southern end — of the Stadio Olimpico was left empty for Sunday's match.
Three of Roma's locally born standouts held a meeting with the "ultra" fans during the week. Captain Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi and Alessandro Florenzi asked the supporters to return, and the club itself has also tried to resolve the matter.
But the appeals had no effect.
In contrast, Lazio fans filled the northern end of the stadium as usual.
The plexiglass barriers were put in place by city officials for security reasons.
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