Two Brighton supporters have been viciously stabbed in the Italian capital just hours before their team’s Europa League match against AS Roma. The victims, aged 27 and 28, were attacked by a group of seven masked assailants in the Monti neighborhood. As authorities in Rome investigate this horrific crime, the footballing community reflects on the safety of fans and the unfortunate violence that can occur during high-stakes matches.

According to reports from Italian news site La Repubblica, the attack took place shortly after midnight. The victims, who were enjoying the lead-up to the Europa League fixture, were ambushed by the masked attackers. Armed and ruthless, the assailants specifically targeted the Brighton fans, stabbing them in the legs and stealing their wallets and personal documents. The victims were found bleeding on Via di Monte Polacco by a restaurant worker, who immediately alerted the authorities.

Both victims suffered severe injuries as a result of the attack. The 27-year-old was quickly taken to San Giovanni hospital with three stab wounds to his left thigh, while the 28-year-old was transported to the Umberto I Polyclinic after sustaining multiple stab wounds to his right thigh. The brutal nature of this assault has raised concerns about the safety of football fans attending high-profile matches, prompting a renewed focus on security measures.

Local law enforcement responded swiftly to the incident, and an active investigation is currently underway. The attackers, described as a group of seven individuals wearing masks, left behind a crime scene that has shocked the city of Rome. Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage and eyewitness testimonies in order to identify and apprehend those responsible for this violent assault on the Brighton supporters. This unsettling incident has cast a shadow over the Europa League clash between Brighton and Roma, which is scheduled to take place at Rome’s Olympic Stadium on Thursday afternoon.