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Cagliari ask fans to stay away for Torino clash

"Dear fans, as you know, due to the complex situation regarding the Is Arenas Stadium, the authorities have decided that Cagliari-Torino will be played behind closed doors," the club said in a statement on their website.

"We know that this is painful, to not see your team and not support us in a game important for survival, and for both you and us this is a reason for sadness.

"As it is easy to understand, Cagliari is in delicate moment, and for this we ask for your help, understanding and sense of responsibility. The future of Cagliari is in your hands."

Last Thursday, Cagliari president Massimo Cellino was arrested along with Stefano Lilliu, public works assessor for the Quartu Sant'Elena neighbourhood where the stadium is located, and the district's mayor Mauro Contini.

On that occasion, Cellino told fans the ground was safe, invited them to turn up for the match and slammed the city government for placing bureaucratic obstacles in the club's way.

Cagliari played at the Stadio Sant'Elia from 1970 until around halfway through last season but abandoned the arena due to disagreements with the local authorities and over growing safety worries.