Uruguayan defender Diego Godin of Wells Sarsfield bid farewell to the club in a match against Huracán that ended in defeat. However, the game took a dark turn as some of Wales’ own fans savaged the players, resorted to violence and even brandished firearms.
After the match, when the team returned to their training camp at the Villa Olimpica stadium, they were brutally confronted by the club’s supporters. Several cars ambushed the players, creating a tense and threatening situation. Gianluca Prestianni, a striker on the team, recounted the terrifying experience to ESPN, saying he was confronted by members of the ‘Bara Brava’ fan group.
Prestini revealed that he was physically assaulted, punched twice in the face while being held by a jacket. Fear was palpable among the players, with some reluctant to return home for fear of being followed. The assailants threatened a player to leave his car or risk being shot in the legs. The harrowing incident has forced the 17-year-old forward to reconsider his future with the club.
Another player, former Boca Juniors defender Leonardo Jara, revealed that a car was used to block his path, and he was threatened with violence. The dangerous situation has caused anxiety and worry among the players involved, including forward Santiago Castro and defender Francisco Ortega.
In response to the violent incident, Atlético Velez released a statement expressing regret and strong condemnation of the horrific situation some of their first team players faced near the Villa Olimpica.
Local media reported that the players chose not to file a police complaint but have been called in for a criminal investigation. Meanwhile, coach Sebastian Mendes informed the club’s directors that the team will not return to training until adequate safety measures are guaranteed.
On the sporting front, Wales fared poorly in the Argentine professional league, finishing 25th out of 28 teams, with just five wins in 27 games.
The farewell match of Diego Godin, a notable figure in the world of football, was affected by this shocking and painful incident. The focus is now on addressing safety concerns for players and restoring a sense of security within the club.
