Lazio striker Ciro Immobile faced a harrowing ordeal on Friday when he was physically and verbally attacked in front of his wife and son.
The distressing incident occurred outside his son’s school, prompting Immobile to consider legal action.
Journalist Zach Lowy reported the attack, revealing that Immobile’s agency alleges the Italian press played a role by spreading false news about his involvement in the sacking of Maurizio Sarri.
Ciro Immobile was physically and verbally attacked in the presence of his wife and his four-year-old son today.
The attack happened outside of his son’s school building. Immobile is considering legal action. pic.twitter.com/CGdrlW0ZUD
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) March 15, 2024
Immobile’s agency are alleging that the Italian press instigated this attack by spreading false and malicious rumors that he played a key role in the sacking of Maurizio Sarri.
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) March 15, 2024
Lazio condemns the attack on Ciro Immobile
In response to the incident, Lazio issued a statement condemning the attack on their captain, expressing full support for Immobile and his family.
They described the attack as “disturbing” and “unacceptable,” emphasising the importance of upholding sportsmanship and condemning all forms of violence.
The statement read (via Lazio’s official website):
“The entire SS Lazio expresses full solidarity with its captain Ciro Immobile and his family for the disturbing and unacceptable attacks suffered in recent days.”
“Sport, and consequently its ethical value, must remain as such: any act of verbal or physical violence must receive unanimous condemnation, firmly and without justification.”
Lazio President Claudio Lotito’s bizarre statement
While the football world expressed their support and concern towards Immobile, the club’s president Claudio Lotito came up with a rather bizarre statement regarding the incident, suggesting that the player should not make a fuss about it.
He stated that he is dealing with death threats for over 20 years without making a fuss about it.
He said (via The Sun):
“It happens to me every day, I have lived under guard for 20 years. Daily death threats to me and my family.
“What is the theme? I’m the president of a company with 8,000 employees, yet I don’t make all this fuss, period. And that’s all I’ll say.”
The attack on Lazio allegedly by his own fans is shocking considering his status at the club. Not only is the club captain but also their all-time leading scorer.
He has made over 300 appearances for the club, scoring 206 goals and assisting another 54, and helped the club win the Italian Cup and the Italian Super Cup twice.