Serie A referees wore black smudge on their cheeks in December in protest at an increase in abuse suffered by officials
Those who commit acts of violence against match officials in Italy could now be sentenced to time in prison.
The Italian government modified its penal code on Friday to give match officials the same legal protection as police officers and other public officials.
The law change, which followed a rise in cases of assault against referees, means perpetrators could face much tougher penalties for pushing, hitting or threatening match officials.
"Sport is loyalty and sharing. Those who do not accept it are warned: from tomorrow violent behaviour and aggression against referees will be punished without delay, even with prison," said junior justice minister Andrea Ostellari.
