Sports
Serie A: Eight arrested as Udinese fans ambush Venezia supporters’ train
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 Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it owed former Nigeria captain and Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, the sum of $128,000 before his death.
Reacting to the reports following Chukwu’s passing on Saturday, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, described the allegations as baseless and misleading.
“There is no record in the NFF of any outstanding indebtedness to ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu,” Sanusi said.
Read Also: President Tinubu, Atiku, Gov. Mbah mourn Nigerian football icon Christian Chukwu
“During the first term of the Board headed by Amaju Pinnick, a committee was set up to diligently peruse the documents of coaches who were being owed, even from previous NFF administrations.”
He explained that the committee had been mandated to verify and settle all legitimate debts owed to coaches, and there was no documentation indicating that Christian Chukwu was owed any funds.
“I am aware that ‘Chairman’ was in the employ of the NFF between 2002 and 2005, before he was relieved of his duties following a 1-1 draw with Angola in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Kano in August 2005. There is certainly no record of indebtedness to him in the NFF.”
Sanusi further urged anyone in possession of genuine and verifiable documents proving the NFF owed Chukwu or any other coach to come forward.
“As a credible organisation that is very much alive to its responsibilities, if we are confronted with any genuine document of indebtedness to any coach, we will offset the debt immediately,” he stated.
The NFF has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing its obligations, especially to individuals who have served the national teams.
Christian Chukwu, affectionately known as “Chairman,” captained Nigeria to its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later coached the Super Eagles between 2002 and 2005.
As the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals head into the decisive second-leg fixtures, clubs across Europe are preparing for season-defining clashes that will determine their place in the semi-finals.
Aston Villa vs Paris Saint-Germain (Aggregate: 1–3)
Second Leg: Tuesday, 8 p.m.
Aston Villa return to Birmingham with work to do after a 3-1 defeat in the first leg at Parc des Princes. Despite managing an away goal, overturning a two-goal deficit against a PSG side boasting significant European experience and attacking firepower will be a major task.
Under Unai Emery, Villa have shown resilience in Europe, but PSG remain favourites to book a semi-final spot.
Prediction: PSG expected to advance (Aggregate Prediction: 2–4)
Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona (Aggregate: 0–4)
Second Leg: Tuesday, 8 p.m.
Barcelona delivered a dominant performance at Camp Nou with a convincing 4-0 win. With a commanding advantage heading into the return leg, Xavi’s men are well-positioned to close out the tie.
Dortmund will rely on home support and pride, but overcoming such a margin against an in-form Barça side appears highly improbable.
Prediction: Barcelona strongly favoured to progress (Aggregate Prediction: 2–6)
Real Madrid vs Arsenal (Aggregate: 0–3)
Second Leg: Wednesday, 8 p.m.
Arsenal stunned the Spanish giants with a stunning 3-0 away win at the Bernabéu, capitalising on their pressing game and quick transitions. While Real Madrid have a rich history of remarkable comebacks in Europe, the Gunners’ advantage is substantial.
With composure and discipline, Mikel Arteta’s side are in a strong position to seal qualification.
Prediction: Arsenal likely to go through (Aggregate Prediction: 3–4)
Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich (Aggregate: 2–1)
Second Leg: Wednesday, 8 p.m.
This matchup is the most closely contested of the quarter-finals. Inter edged out Bayern 2-1 in Munich, though Bayern’s away goal keeps the tie wide open. With both sides stacked with attacking quality, the second leg at San Siro promises high drama.
Expect a fiercely competitive affair, but Inter may just have the edge with home support.
Prediction: Inter tipped to narrowly advance (Aggregate Prediction: 3–2)
Projected Semi-Final Pairings:
Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal
Barcelona vs Inter Milan
Newcastle on Sunday pummeled Manchester United 4-1.
Newcastle to chance as they dealt a terrible blow on former league toppers.
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