Driver Dies: Italian Basketball Fans Bus Attacked by Stones
Bus Driver Dies After Attack by Rival Basketball Fans in Italy
Table of Contents
Incident Overview
A 65-year-old bus driver, Raffaele Marianella, died after a coach carrying supporters of Pistoia Basket was attacked with stones near Rieti, Italy.The attack allegedly came from fans of SRS Sebastiani Rieti, a rival team.
The Pistoia Basket fans were returning from a second-tier league game between the two teams, which Pistoia had won. The incident occured on the highway approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Rome.
Details of the Attack
According to local media reports, fans of SRS Sebastiani Rieti began throwing objects at the bus. A large stone penetrated the windscreen and struck Marianella, who was seated in the front but not actively driving at the time. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after the attack.
Official Reactions
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack as “an unacceptable and insane act of violence,” offering condolences to the victim’s family and promising justice for those responsible.
Italy’s Sports Minister Andrea Abodi described the incident as a “shocking assault,” characterizing the perpetrators as “criminals who have turned into murderers” and explicitly stating thay shoudl not be considered fans.
Gianni Petrucci, president of Federbasket, the national basketball federation, emphasized the criminal nature of the act, stating, “This is not about basketball.These are criminals.” he pledged to collaborate with legal authorities in formulating a response.
Ongoing Investigation
A police investigation is currently underway to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for the attack. Authorities are working to determine the full extent of the involvement of SRS Sebastiani Rieti fans.