A policeman who shot an Italian soccer fan dead on Sunday is now facing murder charges, the Italian policeman's lawyer said Thursday.

"The magistrate has changed the charge. It may not necessarily involve premeditation but it will be voluntary homicide," the lawyer said.

Agent Luigi Spaccatorella, 35, has denied shooting to kill Rome DJ and Lazio fan Gabriele Sandri, 26, according to Italian News Agency ANSA.

Sandri's death at a Tuscan motorway service station sparked widespread riots and led to the suspension of this weekend's Serie B and C games.

Serie A is off because of Italy's game against Scotland Saturday.

Anti-hooligan authorities are expected to announce a slew of travel bans Thursday to take effect when Serie A starts up again.

Authorities have already stiffened security measures and on Thursday set up a new sports ethics council - including a high-ranking Catholic cleric - to help solve the hooligan emergency.

(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2007)