A bus driver has died following an incident on a highway near Rieti, Italy, where a coach transporting fans of the Pistoia Basket was allegedly attacked by rival supporters from SRS Sebastiani Rieti. The fans were returning from a game, which the Tuscany-based Pistoia team won, when stones were reportedly thrown at their coach.
During the attack, a large stone broke through the windscreen and struck Raffaele Marianella, a 65-year-old bus driver who was seated at the front of the vehicle but not driving at the time. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack as an “unacceptable and insane act of violence,” offering condolences to Marianella’s family and stating that those responsible would be held accountable. In response to the incident, a police investigation has been initiated to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Sports Minister Andrea Abodi characterized the act as a “shocking assault” perpetrated by “criminals who have turned into murderers” rather than genuine fans. Gianni Petrucci, president of Federbasket, the national basketball federation, echoed similar sentiments, indicating that the actions in question do not represent basketball and emphasizing the need for legal action.
This incident raises questions about the safety of fans during sports events and the broader issue of violence associated with rivalries in sports across Italy.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3w98966wp2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss