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.
Senegal on Sunday clinched the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after a tense 1–0 extra-time victory over host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The final was marked by controversy late in regulation time after the Democratic Republic of Congo referee, Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo, awarded Morocco a penalty in the eighth minute of added time following a VAR review. Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf was adjudged to have fouled Brahim Diaz during a corner kick.
Furious over the decision, Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch on the instruction of head coach Pape Thiaw, leading to a 13-minute standoff. Captain Sadio Mané eventually persuaded his teammates to return to the field.
Morocco failed to capitalise on the opportunity as Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, allowing Senegal to push the match into extra time.
The breakthrough came in the fourth minute of extra time when Pape Gueye fired home a stunning strike following a swift counterattack initiated by Mané. Senegal then held firm to silence the home crowd and secure the trophy.
The victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON title in three tournaments, further cementing their status as one of Africa’s dominant football forces.
Here is a list of AFCON Winners Since 1957
2025 – Senegal
2023 – Côte d’Ivoire
2021 – Senegal
2019 – Algeria
2017 – Cameroon
2015 – Côte d’Ivoire
2013 – Nigeria
2012 – Zambia
2010 – Egypt
2008 – Egypt
2006 – Egypt
2004 – Tunisia
2002 – Cameroon
2000 – Cameroon
1998 – Egypt
1996 – South Africa
1994 – Nigeria
1992 – Côte d’Ivoire
1990 – Algeria
1988 – Cameroon
1986 – Egypt
1984 – Cameroon
1982 – Ghana
1980 – Nigeria
1978 – Ghana
1976 – Morocco
1974 – DR Congo
1972 – Congo
1970 – Sudan
1968 – DR Congo
1965 – Ghana
1963 – Ghana
1962 – Ethiopia
1959 – Egypt
1957 – Egypt
Senegal stunned Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday as Pape Gueye’s goal gave them a 1-0 extra-time win in a game marred by ugly incidents following a controversial penalty award.
Several Senegal players walked off the pitch in disgust and clashes erupted among their supporters after Morocco were given a spot-kick in injury time at the end of normal time.
The game restarted after a delay of almost 20 minutes but Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved, taking the final to extra time where Gueye scored before Senegal held on to win the continental title for the second time.
[Vanguard]
The Federal Government has congratulated the Super Eagles for defeating the Pharaohs of Egypt to clinch the third position in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This is contained in a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris on Saturday in Abuja.
“On behalf of the Federal Government and all Nigerians, I congratulate the Super Eagles on winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Their performance throughout the tournament was a source of pride and joy for our nation.
“They have upheld Nigeria’s rich football tradition with heart, skill, and resilience. From the group stages to the final whistle in Casablanca, they showed courage, unity, and belief in one another.
“They didn’t just play; they inspired millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
“Securing a bronze medal adds to Nigeria’s remarkable record in AFCON history, where the Super Eagles have now continued their strong legacy at this level.
“The way they competed, especially against strong teams, showed discipline and an unbroken fighting spirit,” Idris said.
He thanked the coaches, support staff, and every player who wore the green and white jersey for their dedication and sacrifice.
The minister noted that they faced challenges with determination and gave their best on every pitch.
“They reminded us that true strength lies in teamwork, belief, and pride in our nation, Nigeria. Their effort has shown that Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African football.
“Although the ultimate prize may have eluded us this time, know that this bronze medal is earned with dignity and effort.
“It belongs to every Nigerian who cheered, believed, and stood by them throughout this competition.
“Celebrate this achievement with pride, and let it strengthen our resolve for future challenges.
“They have done well, and we are filled with gratitude and admiration for how they represented our nation.
“Congratulations, Super Eagles. Nigeria applauds you,” Idris said.
(NAN)
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