Sunday 30 March 2008

Parma vow support for family

Parma President Tommaso Ghirardi has vowed to support the family of Matteo Bagnaresi as they try to overcome their grief following the death of the 27-year-old.

Bagnaresi - a Gialloblu fan - was run over by a coach carrying opposing fans on his way to watch his team play at Juventus, and the Serie A clash was immediately postponed.

The incident happened at around 12.30pm at the Crocetta Nord motorway services between Alessandria and Asti.

"We are shaken by this tragedy," said Ghirardi at a hastily arranged press conference at the Stadio Olimpico.


"I offer my condolences to the relatives of Matteo Bagnaresi and I can't begin to imagine the pain that has hit the family, especially because the boy was only three to four years younger than me.

"The Boys are a group who are always distinguished by their civility and their closeness to the squad.

"I am surprised and and the same time pained by the death of Matteo, I will certainly actively participate in the family's mourning."

Juventus President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli was also present at the joint press conference. "I think that every day about 10 such incidents happen in Italy," he said.

"But when it involves supporters it seems natural to me to take the decision not to play.

"We were informed at 1pm. Not everyone was of the same mind. But we, as those who are responsible for the club, are convinced we took the right decision."

Asti chief constable Antonio Nanni told reporters the incident was a tragic accident.

"This time the fans had nothing to do with it," he told Mediaset Sport. "They were going away, the driver said he didn't see him.

"There weren't any clashes. It was a terrible accident."

In November, before the reverse set of fixtures being played this weekend, Lazio supporter Gabriele Sandri was shot dead by a policeman following scuffles between rival fans.

Source: Sporting Life

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