Anna Hartz
Bus Driver Dies After Stones Thrown by Rival Fans in Rieti
Fan violence has long been a problem in Italy, mostly in football. But on Sunday, it reached men’s basketball in a tragic way.
A coach driver died after his vehicle was attacked with stones and bricks outside Rieti, central Italy, reports DigiSport. The bus was carrying fans of Pistoia Basket 2000 after a Serie A2 game against SRS Sebastiani Rieti.
Fan Threw Stone at Bus
The attack happened just after the match. Stones and bricks hit the bus. One stone pierced the windshield and struck Raffaele Marianella, one of the two drivers on board.
Emergency crews tried to resuscitate him, but he died shortly afterward. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the attackers were rival fans or someone else.
Criminals – Not Fans
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reacted on social media. She called the death “terrible news” and described the act as “unacceptable and senseless violence.”
The Italian Basketball Federation also condemned the attack. Gianni Petrucci, the federation’s president, said he would cooperate fully with the authorities investigating the incident.
He added that the attack had nothing to do with basketball. “These are criminals. These are murderers. People who have no present and no future,” he said on the national channel RAI.
Fan Violence
Italy has struggled with fan violence for decades. Most incidents have involved football clubs. In April, clashes between AS Roma and Lazio fans injured 13 police officers before the capital’s derby.
In May, an Atalanta fan was stabbed to death during fights between Bergamo and Inter supporters.
The tragedy in Rieti has caused national outrage. Many people are calling for stricter measures to prevent fan violence in all sports. The Italian authorities have promised a full investigation. They say anyone responsible will face criminal charges.
Violence Has No Place in Sports
Basketball clubs and fans have also expressed grief and shock. Social media is full of messages honoring the life of Marianella and calling for sports to be safe for everyone.
Clubs are urging calm and reminding supporters that violence has no place in sports.
This incident raises urgent questions about how Italy can protect sports fans and workers.
This article is made and published by Anna Hartz, which may have used AI in the preparation
