Players union FIFPRO demands action after PSV fan attack: ‘The umpteenth incident’ | Football

Feb 24, 2023 at 4:50 PMUpdate: 10 minutes ago

Players’ union FIFPRO called on leagues, clubs and supporter groups on Friday to provide football players with a safer working environment. The organization speaks of a sum after the incident with the PSV fan on Thursday evening.

In the closing minutes of the game between PSV and Sevilla in the Europa League, Sevilla goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic was attacked by a field attacker who attacked him in the back. Dmitrovic put up a strong fight.

PSV confirmed on Friday that the twenty-year-old supporter, who was grounded by Dmitrovic and then taken away by stewards, already had a stadium ban.

“It is the umpteenth incident. This trend requires an immediate, coordinated approach by the football world,” said FIFPRO in a statement. statement. The union emphasizes that football players, just like people with other professions, must feel safe at all times.

“Players are vulnerable when surrounded by thousands of supporters. The increasing number of attacks shows a lack of security and stewards. It also proves that violence and threats in stadiums are a systemic problem.”

The PSV supporter was eventually taken away. Photo: Getty Images

‘They are no longer isolated incidents’

FIFPRO lists similar events in recent months in Australia, Colombia, England, France, Italy and Turkey, among others. “We can no longer continue to dismiss it as isolated incidents.”

PSV, through the mouth of general manager Marcel Brands, among others, distanced itself from the supporter’s action immediately after the game. The club can expect a hefty punishment from UEFA. It is still unclear what sanction hangs over the people of Eindhoven.

The match between PSV and Sevilla ended in 2-0. Due to the 3-0 defeat from the first leg, that was not enough for the team of trainer Ruud van Nistelrooij to reach the eighth finals of the Europa League.

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