Lazio attack on Tottenham fans case delayed

 
epa03481475 A police investigator takes photographs of the interior of the 'Drunken ship' pub at Campo de' Fiori Square in downton Rome, Italy, early 22 November 2012. Ten supporters of English soccer club Tottenham Hotspur were hurt and one seriously injured in an attack in the early hours of 22 November as they celebrated in Rome ahead of a Europa League match against Italien Serie A team Lazio, police said. EPA/MASSIMO PERCOSSI
EPA/Massimo Percossi
24 November 2012
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The court appearance of two Italians charged with attempted murder after an attack on English football fans in Rome has been delayed until tomorrow, police said.

They were due to appear in court today, but will now do so tomorrow morning, said a spokesman for Rome police.

At least 11 Spurs fans were injured in the attack at 1am on Thursday as up to 50 hooligans stormed the Drunken Ship pub armed with knuckle dusters, baseball bats, knives and broken bottles.

Essex builder Ashley Mills, 25, was most seriously injured sustaining stab wounds to his leg and head.

He was taken to San Camillo Hospital and was under observation today after having surgery yesterday but is not in a life-threatening condition.

He is expected to remain in hospital for at least the next 24 hours, the police spokesman said.

Mr Mills and his fellow Spurs fans were enjoying a drink ahead of the club's Europa League tie against Lazio when the Ultras - right-wing, hooligan fans - stormed the pub.

Fans scrambled to safety as the pub was smashed up in the chaos.

Police have said two fans of Roma, the city's other Serie A side, Francesco Ianari, 26, and Mauro Pinnelli, 25, have been charged with attempted murder.

Mr Mills yesterday described the horrifying attack. He told the Evening Standard his attacker "came out of nowhere". He added: "I didn't see the guy who stabbed me. There were too many of them."

Mr Mills said there was a good atmosphere in the bar, where everyone was having a few drinks before everything turned sour.

He added: "I was standing outside drinking and the next thing I knew there were loads of them.

"It happened very quickly, I don't remember much.

"I remember being pulled out, along the ground, after I had been stabbed."

Last night the president of the Italian Football Association (FIGC) sent a letter of apology to English FA chairman David Bernstein.

Giancarlo Abete said in a statement: "Once again, football has given a handful of delinquents the excuse to take out their racist and anti-Semite anger.

"There is evidence of this undoubted motive, which is detrimental to the image of Italian football and doesn't match with the traditional hospitality and welcome of the city of Rome.

"The city authorities and I publicly express our firm condemnation, with my personal indignation at these events.

"I beg you to send our apologies to all Tottenham's fans - and in particular to those families directly involved.

"I will personally follow the investigation's development and remain at your disposal should my assistance in any further matters be required."

Initial reports suggested Lazio fans were exclusively to blame for the assault which was apparently launched with shouts of anti-semitic abuse about the English team's historical Jewish roots.

Before the match, Lazio club president Claudio Lotito denied his fans were responsible.

But shortly afterwards as the game got under way, Lazio fans chanted "Juden Tottenham" - using the German word for Jew, and also unfurled a "Free Palestine" banner.

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