Velez Sarsfield Players Allege Threats of Gun Violence from Fans Following Defeat
Players from Argentine side Velez Sarsfield have come forward with alarming claims of being ambushed and threatened with gun violence by the club's ultra fans.
The distressing incident occurred after the team's 1-0 defeat by Huracan, following their return to the training camp.
The final match on Sunday marked the last game for Uruguay defender Diego Godin before retirement, but it was marred by the troubling encounter with the 'Barra Brava' fans.
In a statement, the club expressed deep regret and strong condemnation for the intimidating situation experienced by some of its first-team players. Gianluca Prestianni, Leonardo Jara, Santiago Castro, and Francisco Ortega were reported to be the victims involved in the incident.
"We came out and it was all dark when the cars of the 'Barra Brava' came across us. There were probably five or six of them. "They hit me twice in the face while grabbing me by the jacket. I was too scared and my team-mates didn't want to go home in case they were followed. "They even told one of them, 'Get out of the car or I'll shoot you twice in the legs'."
Gianluca Prestianni shared his terrifying experience with ESPN, recounting how they were confronted by a group of 'Barra Brava' fans in the darkness as they tried to leave the stadium.
He stated that he was physically assaulted and threatened, leaving him and his teammates frightened to return home in fear of being followed.
Leonardo Jara further detailed the harrowing situation, explaining how the fans blocked his car and demanded that he step out, threatening to shoot him in the legs.
Velez Sarsfield has faced a challenging season, securing only five wins out of 27 games and finishing 25th out of 28 in the Argentina Primera Division after the defeat by Huracan.
Â
