Why Mancini wore ear protectors during Roma walk-out against Udinese | OneFootball

Roma vice-captain Gianluca Mancini walked out of the Stadio Olimpico tunnel wearing a pair a noise-reducing headset prior to kick-off against Udinese on Sunday afternoon in a show of solidarity with the young mascot who was stood by his side.

Why Mancini wore ear defenders before Roma kick-off

The Italy centre-back raised eyebrows at first, and some supporters had suggested that he wanted to block out the noise from the stands on a chaotic day at the Stadio Olimpico.

Instead, as confirmed by Corriere dello Sport, Mancini decided to wear the ear defenders to support and accommodate the young mascot that was assigned to him.

The mascot was also wearing a pair of noise-preventing headphones, and Mancini wanted to do the same to make him feel comfortable.

It was an understandable decision for the youngster, as it has been a hectic day at the Stadio Olimpico with protests planned in and around the ground following the dismissal of club legend Daniele De Rossi earlier this week.

Adding to the drama in the capital, CEO Lina Souloukou was granted police protection on Saturday night and then resigned from her post with immediate effect on Sunday morning.

The game against Udinese is the first under the guidance of former Torinoi coach Ivan Juric, who replaced De Rossi on the same day that he was dismissed.