Violence
ROME: Hardcore Udinese fans, known as “ultras,” ambushed a train carrying rival supporters from Venice on Saturday evening, resulting in multiple injuries and arrests.
The incident occurred near Basiliano station, not far from Udine, after a Serie A match between Udinese and Venezia, which Udinese won 3-2. Reports from the AGI news agency confirmed that at least six people were injured in the violent altercation, while La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the injury count had risen to 11, with eight individuals arrested.
The ambush involved around 50 masked Udinese ultras who took to the tracks, stopping the train carrying approximately 300 Venezia fans, as well as other passengers.
The attackers launched smoke bombs to block the train’s path, followed by the throwing of stones at the train. Once the Venezia supporters disembarked, they were met with brutal violence as the attackers struck with sticks and batons.
The confrontation was intense, with two of the injured requiring hospitalization, though their conditions were not deemed life-threatening.
The incident prompted a swift response from the authorities, including the deployment of police and a helicopter, which helped bring the violent clashes to a halt. The local Udine police, when contacted, did not provide specific details about the incident.
This altercation follows a pattern of violent encounters between the two fan groups, with tensions already running high due to previous incidents.
In late October, when the teams met in Venice, Udinese supporters were attacked near the train station as they prepared to return home. The latest violence was reportedly backed by Salzburg ultras, with whom the Udinese fan group maintains links.
Given the history of violence between the two groups, the match was considered high risk, and authorities had heightened security measures to prevent such clashes.
Despite these efforts, the ambush highlights the ongoing issue of football hooliganism in Italy, which continues to disrupt matches and put innocent bystanders at risk.
