Attack on Lyon team bus ‘could have been tragedy’ – Grosso،
Lyon coach Fabio Grosso said the attack on the Ligue 1 team’s bus last Sunday “could have been a tragedy”.
The team bus was hit by stones and bricks as Lyon headed to the Stade Vélodrome for a league match at Marseille, which was later postponed.
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Grosso, who required 12 stitches after suffering cuts to his forehead and left eye, shared his feelings for the first time since the incident in an Instagram post.
“What happened Sunday night could have been a tragedy, and it certainly was for the sport and for everyone who loves it,” Grosso said.
“I hope with all my heart that this can be a lesson for our future.
“Thank you for all your support and closeness.”
The Italian assistant coach, Raffaele Longo, was also injured in the attack.
The French government described the weekend’s violence around the Marseille stadium as “disgusting” and said nine people had been arrested.
Lyon condemned the violence and added that it was not the first time that such incidents had occurred in Marseille.
“Olympique Lyonnais regrets that this type of situation occurs every year in Marseille and calls on the authorities to take into account the seriousness and repetition of such incidents before an even more serious tragedy occurs,” the club said in a statement. a statement.
Lyon has requested that its postponed Ligue 1 match in Marseille be played on neutral ground.
“At the moment, the security conditions necessary to play in Marseille are not met,” said Lyon general manager Vincent Ponsot.
“We have to play on neutral ground… What we want is for the safety of our players to be guaranteed.”
Grosso did not supervise his team’s practice Tuesday, but observed part of the session from the sidelines while wearing a cap that concealed the bandage on his head.
A 2006 World Cup winner with Italy, Grosso, 45, replaced Laurent Blanc as Lyon coach in September.
Lyon are last in Ligue 1 without having won any of their nine matches. They welcome Metz on Sunday.
