Injuries after Football 'Ultras' Ambush Rivals' Train in Italy

Udinese's Lorenzo Lucca celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian soccer Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Venezia FC at the Bluenergy stadium in Udine, Italy, 01 February 2025. (EPA)
Udinese's Lorenzo Lucca celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian soccer Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Venezia FC at the Bluenergy stadium in Udine, Italy, 01 February 2025. (EPA)
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Injuries after Football 'Ultras' Ambush Rivals' Train in Italy

Udinese's Lorenzo Lucca celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian soccer Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Venezia FC at the Bluenergy stadium in Udine, Italy, 01 February 2025. (EPA)
Udinese's Lorenzo Lucca celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian soccer Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Venezia FC at the Bluenergy stadium in Udine, Italy, 01 February 2025. (EPA)

Hard-core Udinese fans stopped a train carrying rivals from Venice on Saturday in an ambush that caused several injuries after a match between the two Italian clubs, reports said Sunday.

The AGI news agency reported that six people were injured and 11 arrested after the Saturday evening clashes near Basiliano station, not far from Udine, while La Gazetta dello Sport daily put the injured at 11, with eight arrests.

Udine police were unable to confirm any details when contacted by AFP.

According the reports, around 50 masked Udinese "ultras" went onto the track and launched smoke bombs to stop the train carrying Venice supporters back home after the Serie A match, which Udinese won 3-2.

They threw stones at the train, carrying 300 Venezia supporters as well as other passengers, and then hit rivals who descended onto the platform with sticks and batons.

Police intervened, including with a helicopter, and quickly put an end to the fighting.

Among the injured, two were hospitalized, but they are not in a life-threatening condition, the reports said.

The match had been highlighted as high risk after violence erupted when the teams met in Venice on October 30, when Udinese fans were attacked near the train station before they returned home.

According to the Italian press, the Udinese hooligans this weekend were backed by ultras from the Austrian club Salzburg, with whom they have links.



Saudi Arabia’s Sports Boulevard to Showcase Transformative Urban Development at MIPIM 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Sports Boulevard to Showcase Transformative Urban Development at MIPIM 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Sports Boulevard to Showcase Transformative Urban Development at MIPIM 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Sports Boulevard to Showcase Transformative Urban Development at MIPIM 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Sports Boulevard Foundation announced its participation in MIPIM 2025, the world’s leading real estate investment event, taking place in Cannes, France from March 11 to 14.

As part of the “Invest Saudi” delegation, the foundation will present key investment opportunities and urban development insights, reinforcing Riyadh’s evolution into a global hub for sports, wellness, and sustainable living.

Sports Boulevard—one of Riyadh’s mega-projects—is set to become the world’s largest urban regeneration linear park, spanning more than 135 km across the capital. The project integrates cutting-edge sports infrastructure, vibrant public spaces, and sustainable mobility solutions, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals of enhancing quality of life and economic diversification.

The first phase of Sports Boulevard, opened in February 2025, includes five key destinations along an 83 km stretch, marking a significant milestone in the foundation’s commitment to innovative urban development.

As of December 2024, the project has secured substantial investments, including a combined real estate investment fund valued at approximately $1.47 billion (SAR5.5 billion), which will further boost private-sector participation.

At MIPIM, the foundation will engage with global investors, urban planners, and real estate developers, showcasing prime opportunities across various sectors. Sports Boulevard offers over four million square meters of gross floor area (GFA) earmarked for private-sector participation, including high-end residential units, commercial and retail spaces, and sports venues. This strategic space is poised to attract global investors and developers eager to contribute to Riyadh’s transformation.

CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation Jayne McGivern commented: "Sports Boulevard is more than an urban development; it’s a movement towards a healthier, more sustainable future. We are showcasing Riyadh as a global model for active living, where sports, wellness, and urban infrastructure converge to foster a thriving community."

"With world-class sports facilities, green mobility networks, and vibrant public spaces, the project offers unmatched investment and innovation opportunities in real estate and sustainable urban planning," he said.

With over 4.4 million square meters of green spaces, 220 km of cycling pathways, and an extensive 135 km pedestrian network, Sports Boulevard is redefining urban livability in Riyadh. The project also includes 15 km of dedicated horse-riding trails, more than 50 multidisciplinary sports facilities, and a network of tree-lined walking paths and shaded areas, encouraging outdoor activities in the city’s evolving landscape.

Sports Boulevard is unlocking significant investment opportunities for local and international investors across core asset-class real estate, sports, and infrastructure. Launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on March 19, 2019, and chaired by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the project aims to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors by offering integrated infrastructure, pedestrian pathways, cycling and horse-riding trails, and world-class sports facilities.