Italian police have arrested eight individuals following a violent ambush by Udinese supporters on a train carrying rival Venezia fans after a Serie A match on Saturday, February 1. The clashes, which took place at Basiliano station near Udine, left several people injured, including police officers, and caused significant damage to the train.

The attack occurred as around 1,200 Venezia fans were traveling home after their team’s 3-2 defeat against Udinese. A group of approximately 50 Udinese supporters, some masked and armed with flares and smoke bombs, blocked the train’s path and began hurling objects at the carriages. This escalated into a mass brawl when several Venezia fans disembarked to confront the attackers.

Six Venezia fans were injured during the incident, with two requiring hospitalization. Three police officers also sustained injuries while trying to contain the violence. A police helicopter was deployed to support the officers on the ground, and most of the Udinese supporters fled the scene as authorities intervened.

Eight individuals were apprehended in connection with the attack, including five Austrians, a Bosnian living in Austria, an Albanian, and an Italian. Investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved.

The train carrying the Venezia fans was damaged during the attack, and passengers who were not part of the match were transferred to another train. The Venezia supporters were moved to undamaged carriages, and the train eventually resumed its journey around 8:00 PM local time.

Both Udinese and Venezia condemned the violence, extended their support to the injured, and pledged full cooperation with authorities. Udinese issued a strong statement, emphasizing that “those who tarnish the sport with violence are not fans.”

This latest clash follows a history of tension between the two sets of supporters, including a previous violent incident in Venice on October 30, when Udinese fans were attacked near a train station. Police had stationed officers at Basiliano in anticipation of potential unrest, as the match had been categorized as high risk. Reports suggest that Udinese ultras were joined by supporters of the Austrian club Salzburg, with whom they have established ties.

The North London based club Arsenal continued their impressive league form after they got a convincing win over Manchester City in a crunch encounter between both clubs.

Arsenal on Sunday took Mancity to the cleaners flogging Pep Guodiola men 5-1 at Emirates, the Gunners were dominant all through the match as they emerged victorious in today’s league encounter.

Goals from Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz, Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri secured the home victory for Arsenal while Erling Haaland scored a consolation goal for Manchester City.

The home side Arsenal recorded 7 shots on target, 5 shots off target, 87% passing accuracy and 12 total shots while Manchester City recorded 470 passes, 3 shots off target and 55% ball possession.

At the end of the march, England and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was named man of the match for his excellent performance in today’s EPL encounter.

West Ham United manager, Graham Stephen Potter, has revealed that although he didn’t want to lose his job as Chelsea manager, it turned out to be the best thing for him.

On September 8, 2022, Chelsea appointed Potter as their new head coach on a five-year deal, replacing German tactician, Tomas Tuchel.

Despite being handed a five-year contract, Graham Potter stay at Stamford Bridge lasted only seven months. He was sacked by Chelsea’s new owners on April 2, 2023, following a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa at home

During the January 2023 transfer window, Potter oversaw a £323 million outlay on new players.

He managed 31 games, losing 11, and left Chelsea in 11th place in the Premier League at the time of his dismissal.

Graham Stephen Potter, will lead his new team, West Ham United to the Bridge on Monday, February 3, 2025, for what will be his fourth Premier League game in charge of the Hammers since his appointment on January 9, 2025.

In a recent interview, the 49-year-old gaffer explained that his time at Chelsea, while challenging, has ultimately proven to be a valuable learning experience..

“I didn’t want to lose my job. But at the same time I look back now and maybe it’s the best thing that happened to me. Maybe the next 10-20 years is going to be great because of the experience I’ve had. I just look at it as a learning experience. I’ve got no bad feelings towards Chelsea, I’ve still got a lot of good relationships with the people there.” He said.

Potter further disclosed that he holds no hard feelings about how his time at Chelsea ended, but acknowledged that his untimely sacking ultimately proved to be the best thing that happened to him.

“I can only look back now and think, just like everybody in life, you can have good things and bad things. They make you better if you use them in the right way, and I’ve done that and so therefore I’m grateful for the experience.” He said.

West Ham United under Potter have won 1, drawn 1, and lost 2 of the four games he has managed so far.

Source: Elvisanokyenews.com