In a shocking turn of events, players of the renowned Argentinian football club, Velez Sarsfield, were subjected to a harrowing and violent attack by some of their own fans at gunpoint. The incident occurred after the team’s match against Huracan, leaving the players shaken and the football community in disbelief.
As they arrived back at their training camp located in the Villa Olimpica Stadium, the players found themselves facing a group of fans associated with the ‘Barra Brava’ fan group. In a terrifying scenario, multiple cars ambushed the players, instilling fear and intimidation in the air. Gianluca Prestianni, a forward for the team, bravely shared the harrowing details of the incident, recounting how he was physically assaulted and forcefully grabbed, with attackers striking him in the face.
The situation escalated to a shocking degree, with one player facing threats of violence if he did not comply with the attackers’ demands. In fear for their safety, the players were left deeply distressed and anxious about their well-being. Leonardo Jara, a former Boca Juniors defender, was also targeted as a car obstructed his path, accompanied by threats of harm.
The incident has raised concerns over player safety and highlights the worrying influence of fan violence in football. Atletico Velez issued a statement expressing regret and strong condemnation for the alarming situation faced by their first-team players near the Villa Olimpica.
Despite choosing not to file a police complaint, the players have been requested to participate in a criminal investigation. Coach Sebastian Mendez, in response to the shocking attack, has notified the club’s directors that the team will refrain from resuming training until sufficient security measures are put in place to ensure the players’ safety.
This appalling incident comes amidst a lackluster performance by Velez Sarsfield in the Argentine Professional League, where the club has secured only five wins out of 27 matches, leaving them in a disappointing 25th place among 28 teams.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the football community, emphasizing the urgent need to tackle fan violence and ensure the safety and well-being of players and supporters alike. The sport’s governing bodies are being called upon to take swift and decisive action to prevent such incidents in the future and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that football stands for.
