Gunners fan 'stabbed' in Rome

New questions raised over final venue's suitability

Last updated: 12th March 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Gunners fan 'stabbed' in Rome

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An Arsenal supporter is believed to have been stabbed after his minibus was attacked by Roma fans before Wednesday's UEFA Champions League tie.

The minibus in which the fan was travelling is understood to have lost its way en route to the Stadio Olimpico for the second leg encounter.

Roma fans started to attack the vehicle before one is alleged to have got on to the bus when the situation escalated.

The victim was able to watch the game, which Arsenal won in a dramatic penalty shoot-out, after receiving medical care.

Fight

A British Embassy spokesman said: "One managed to get on to the bus and there was a fight.

"The driver managed to get away when the Roma fan was pushed out of the bus."

He added: "We don't know if it was a stabbing or glass from a smashed window."

An Arsenal spokeswoman said: "A male Arsenal fan was believed to be stabbed outside the stadium.

"Roma fans threw stones at a bus, smashing windows, and an individual allegedly entered the bus and stabbed a fan."

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are aware of the incident that happened in Italy and we are providing consular assistance."

The incident could again raise questions over Rome's ability to stage this season's Champions League final in May at the Stadio Olimpico.

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