LATEST NEWS: Newcastle fan, 58, is rushed to hospital in Milan after being stabbed in the arm and back during an attack by a group of knife-wielding thugs on the eve of his team’s return to the Champions League
- A Newcastle fan was stabbed by a group of men in Milan on Monday evening
- It is claimed the 58-year-old Newcastle supporter was attacked from behind by thugs
A Newcastle fan was ambushed and stabbed three times by a group of knife-wielding thugs in Milan last night, on the eve of their side’s match with AC Milan in the Champions League.
The British man, 58, was attacked by seven or eight men in a neighborhood near the city center around midnight.
Italian news channel Milan Today has also reported that the supporter was rescued by police before being immediately taken to hospital.
The Milano Today report also claims that it is not yet known what the motive for the attack was while nothing was stolen from the victim.
Other reports on social media claimed a group of Magpies supporters were returning to their hotel from an area where fans had gathered before being jumped from behind and attacked with knives.
WARNING – GRAPHIC CONTENT BELOW
A man lies on the ground while being treated by Italian emergency services on Monday
A man with a Newcastle tattoo is seen on the pavement, covered in blood
The man is treated for his wounds on the side of the road while medics try to stop the blood
Doctors are treating a Newcastle fan who was stabbed in Milan on Monday evening
An unnamed family member told Mail Sport: ‘Three of them were jumped from behind by a group wearing balaclavas/masks, with one seriously stabbed. They left the fan zone and went to the hotel. Fortunately, they are all fine and stable now.’
Mail Sport understands Newcastle is aware of the reports and is in contact with local authorities.
More than 5,000 Newcastle fans will be in the Italian city tonight to cheer on Eddie Howe’s side against AC Milan.
Newcastle, who have not played in the Champions League since 2003, kick off their European campaign at San Siro, one of football’s most iconic stadiums, in what promises to be an extremely difficult group that also includes Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund – to move forward.
Newcastle’s arrival in Milan for their opening Group F match was also postponed as bad weather in Italy prevented their plane from leaving on time.
Had the Premier League team arrived on time, they would have done so in heavy rain as storm clouds gathered over the Italian city and a sultry day drew to a close.
Newcastle play Italian giants AC Milan at San Siro (photo) on Tuesday
The reported attack took place on the eve of Newcastle’s return to the Champions League
It is claimed the Newcastle supporter was attacked from behind by seven or eight thugs