A Newcastle supporter is hospitalized in Milan after being attacked, sustaining stab wounds ahead of the club’s Champions League match. Eddie McKay, accompanied by his son and a friend, was assaulted by a group of around seven or eight individuals, reportedly wearing balaclavas. The incident occurred in Milan’s Navigli district at approximately midnight on Monday. The 58-year-old from Newcastle is in stable condition, having suffered injuries to his back and arms while attempting to flee. Mr. McKay’s family is en route to Milan to be with him. His daughter, Rachel McKay, conveyed that he is stable but understandably shaken, expressing his regret for missing the match and emphasizing the need for fellow Newcastle fans to stay vigilant and safe.
The attack is currently under investigation, and authorities have not confirmed whether it was related to football or other motives. A spokesperson for the local police provided details of the incident, reporting that Mr. McKay, an Englishman and Newcastle supporter, was assaulted by a group of individuals while he and a friend were in a specific area of Milan. He sustained stab wounds to his back and arms and was promptly taken to Policlinico hospital, where he is in non-serious condition.
Newcastle has 4,000 tickets allocated for the game in Milan, and additional fans have traveled to the city without tickets. The club’s spokesperson expressed deep concern over the assault, noting they are in contact with local authorities to ascertain the circumstances. Their thoughts are with the supporter and his family, and they wish him a full and swift recovery.