French police have detained nine people following an attack on buses carrying the Lyon football team and fans, which injured coach Fabio Grosso and forced the postponement of the game in Marseille, it was announced this Monday.
Italian Fabio Grosso, 45, suffered head injuries, as did one of his assistants, in the attack, which broke some windows on a Lyon bus heading to the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, where he was due to play a match.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said there is “absolutely no place for violence in football” in a message posted on Instagram following the incidents on the sidelines of the game.
“Events like those that took place in Marseille before the Lyon game have no place in our sport or in our society and I call on the competent authorities to ensure that appropriate action is taken,” he says.
Infantino, who shared a photo of Grosso with a bandage on his face and the caption “Forza Fábio”, adds that “in football, each and every player, coach and fan must be safe to enjoy the game.”
Grosso was injured by falling glass and required medical attention, as did his assistant Raffaele Longo after attacks on buses on the way to the stadium, which also injured five police officers.
The president of Lyon John Textor, the club where Portuguese players Anthony Lopez and Diego Moreira play, expressed “deep anger” at the incident, while his Marseille counterpart Pablo Longoria also condemned what he called “totally unacceptable” actions.
“Today’s party was ruined by a few reckless people and 65,000 fans were unable to watch the football match,” Marcel added.
Sports Minister Amelia Oudea-Castera called for “tighter restrictions on rioters” and a “global response” and said the French league, clubs and fan groups must take responsibility.
“The images of the Lyon bus stoned and Fabio Grosso’s bloodied face are disgusting. These unacceptable actions deny the values of football and sport, and all those responsible must be found and severely punished,” the minister says.
Representing the French government, Oudea-Castera showed “all” his “support” for the club, coach and assistant.
“These actions, marked by stupidity and hatred, having nothing to do with sports, must be eradicated with the greatest determination by the collective of all actors, public and private, who truly love sports and must unite stronger than ever to protect it. “, he concluded.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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