During the 1973–74 season SS Lazio competed in Serie A, Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup.

Back to Serie A in 1973, Lazio immediately emerged as surprise challengers for the Scudetto to Milan and Juventus previous season, only losing out on the final day of the season, with a team comprising captain Giuseppe Wilson, as well as midfielders Luciano Re Cecconi and Mario Frustalupi, striker Giorgio Chinaglia who led the top Italian league in scoring with 24 goals, and head coach Tommaso Maestrelli.

Whymark took a blow to the head early on and Bryan Hamilton later admitted that he was "genuinely scared" by Lazio's physical and violent approach.

They were pegged back after 73 minutes when Dutch referee Leo van der Kroft awarded what Lazio felt was a soft penalty after Clive Woods had been tripped.

He was spat on by an Italian which made him determined to play his part on the field despite his injury which had not fully healed.

They threw full beer cans and lighted rockets at the Police who used tear gas in a forlorn effort to maintain control.

[9] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.