Nine stabbed in vicious brawl ahead of Lazio vs Real Sociedad clash in Rome
Knife mayhem erupts near Piazza Mancini
Chaos broke out in Rome as rival hooligans linked to Lazio and Real Sociedad went toe-to-toe in a brutal knife fight. The violent uproar happened hours before the big football showdown, with nine men stabbed in the melee. Two Spanish fans remain in serious condition in hospital after the sickening attack near the famed Piazza Mancini, a notorious hangout for hardcore supporters.
Eyewitnesses spoke of masked thugs armed with blades, bottles and crude weapons exchanging blows in a shocking display of savagery.
Heavy police crackdown and arrests
Italian cops swooped on the scene, rushing paramedics to treat the wounded before shipping them off to local hospitals. The authorities reckon the clash was planned in advance, with hooligan groups reportedly coordinating online.
A police spokesman blasted: “We are treating this as a targeted attack between organised football hooligans. Such violence has no place in sport. We’re determined to find and punish all involved.”
Several arrests have been made, though details remain under wraps as the investigation gathers pace.
Match security ramped up amid anger and calls for peace
The violent brawl casts a dark shadow over the much-anticipated UEFA fixture at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Officials have cranked up security to maximum to protect fans and players alike, urging calm to prevent further flare-ups.
Both Lazio and Real Sociedad slammed the violence in joint statements, stressing football should unite, not divide, supporters. They pledged support to the injured and called for peace among fans.
Investigation continues as police hunt suspects
Officers are scouring CCTV footage and collecting eyewitness accounts to track down others involved. Spanish authorities are also assisting in supporting the victims and their families.
This brutal episode serves as a stark reminder of how football passion can spiral into pointless violence. Stay tuned for updates as police crack down on the hooligan menace.
