Italian police hunting ‘hooded’ gang after English club fan stabbed
A search is underway for a gang[1] of “hooded” thugs by Italian police following the stabbing of a football supporter from an English club. The stabbing took place in the Italian city of Milan last night, September 18, with the 58-year-old victim taken to hospital.
The stabbing took place a day before Newcastle United were due to play AC Milan at the San Siro, with kick-off scheduled for 5.45pm today, September 19. The motive for the attack is not yet clear however Milan Police said an investigation has been launched by specialist officers who deal with football-related incidents, reports ChronicleLive.[2][3]
The incident happened around midnight, as thousands of Newcastle fans arrived in the Italian city ahead of the Champion’s League fixture. The victim was travelling back to his hotel when he was attacked, said a relative of the man.
The thugs behind the attack are still being hunted, Milan Police confirmed. They told the PA news agency: “The incident took place about midnight in the neighbourhood of Navigli which is populated with bars.
“A police patrol came across the incident, which involved seven or eight people wearing hooded sweatshirts. We are still searching for these people. A supporter of Newcastle, who is 58 years old, suffered two slight wounds to his arms and one a little bit deeper on his back. He was sent to the Policlinico Hospital and is expected to be discharged later today.
“DIGOS (Divisione Investigazioni Generali e Operazioni Speciali), the branch which deals with football supporters, is investigating, but at this moment it is not clear if this is related to football or something else because no emblems were visible.”
Newcastle United confirmed earlier today that it is working with local authorities to find out what happened and Northumbria Police said its officers are working with Italian authorities. An NUFC spokesman said: “We are deeply concerned by reports that a supporter was seriously assaulted in Milan on Monday evening and we are liaising with local authorities to understand the circumstances.
“Our thoughts are with the supporter and their family and we hope for a full and speedy recovery.” And a Northumbria Police spokeswoman added: “We are aware of reports of a Newcastle United supporter being seriously assaulted in Milan yesterday evening. We can confirm we are supporting authorities in Italy.”
Tonight’s clash with AC Milan is Newcastle United’s first Champions League match in 20 years. And spirits were high on the streets of Milan last night as travelling Geordies enjoyed the atmosphere while getting soaked by the heavy rain. A number of fans have posted about the attack on social media warning others to be careful while out in the city.
Pictures of a man being treated by Italian emergency workers, which show a large gash on his back, have also been circulating on social media and WhatsApp. A family member of the victim told the Chronicle: “Three of them got jumped from behind by a group wearing masks, with one getting stabbed badly.
“They were leaving the fan zone to head to the hotel. They are all OK and stable now though thankfully.” The relative has also issued a warning to other fans to be careful while out in Milan.
References
- ^ gang (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ stabbing (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ reports ChronicleLive. (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ Moment Airbus wobbles during Birmingham Airport landing amid blustery conditions (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Get Disney Plus for just £1.99 a month (www.birminghammail.co.uk)