Venice parents fined over children playing football in Murano square

In Venice, Italy, the parents of 14 children aged 12 to 13 were fined €50 each after the children played football in a public square on Murano island, sparking controversy. The fines were issued following a complaint from a resident about noise, with police citing regulations banning ball games in most Venetian squares, allowing such activities only in San Bernardo square on Murano. Parents argue that Pino Signoretto square, where their children played, was recently redeveloped and not listed among prohibited areas, and that San Bernardo is unsuitable for play. The incident has ignited a wider debate about the proportionality of the police response and children's right to play, with local councillor Marco Gasparinetti criticizing the heavy-handed approach and advocating for more educational measures. Antonio Trampus, a parent, expressed outrage over the handling of the situation and vowed to appeal the fines and take the matter to Venice's mayor, Luigi Brugnaro. The case highlights broader tensions in Venice concerning urban regulations, public space use, and community priorities amid ongoing challenges like overtourism and population decline.