A Newcastle fan from Newcastle, named Eddie McKay, is currently in hospital in a stable condition after being stabbed in Milan on Monday night. McKay was with his son and a friend when they were attacked by a group of about seven or eight people wearing balaclavas. The incident happened around midnight. A statement from Newcastle expressed concern and said they were working with local authorities to understand the details of the incident. McKay suffered stab wounds to his back and arms after falling to the ground while trying to escape. Milan police confirmed that McKay was treated at the scene and is currently in a city hospital.
McKay’s family plans to fly to Milan later Tuesday to be with him. His daughter Rachel McKay said her father was stable but in shock. She noted that he was disappointed to miss the match, but wanted to ensure the safety of other Newcastle fans in Milan. Rachel also described how her father fell during a chase for a recent knee replacement when he was attacked. She added that her brother witnessed the incident and is also in shock. The family was up all night. It is not clear at this time whether the attack was football-related or for other reasons.
Newcastle are set to play their first Champions League match in 20 years against AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday night. The club originally had 4,000 tickets available for the game, but additional ticketless fans are understood to have traveled to Milan in anticipation of the match.