expecting Zenit – Juventus to be called off

By: j | November 25th, 2008

   

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I will update this as soon as an announcement is made but a bomb explosion by the Zenit training facility has went off at 8:55am (local time), killing three and seriously injuring another. The bomb is believed to have come from a hand grenade but the investigation is underway.

I will update when further information is available but in moments like these a Football match is both inappropriate and dangerous. My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this horrible act of terrorism.

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Comments  

• Peter Katsiris |  November 25th, 2008 at 6:59 am

  
  
  

  Were any players/ members of Zenit St. Petersbrg involved in the injuries/casualties?

  

• ursus arctos |  November 25th, 2008 at 7:24 am

  
  
  

  Italian sources are sure that the match will be played.

  They are also reporting that the current guess is St. Petersburg is that it was a suicide bombing in a taxi, and that one of the victims was a 3 year old child.

  

• j |  November 25th, 2008 at 7:37 am

  
  
  

  Peter – no players were involved.

  Ursus – I am just posting the update of UEFA’s comments, although I think it is highly questionable to play a match in this situation. I was aware of the loss of the child and I did not post photos as they are extremely graphic in nature.

  

• alessio |  November 25th, 2008 at 7:45 am

  
  
  

  That is fucking terrible news, what a shame.

  

• ursus arctos |  November 25th, 2008 at 7:54 am

  
  
  

  j, I agree with you that it would be better not to play the match, but just wanted to pass on what we are hearing here on the ground in Italy.

  It is of course a very sad and troubling story.

  

• j |  November 25th, 2008 at 8:20 am

  
  
  

  ursus arctos – I hope I didn’t come off rude. If I did, please accept my apology. This is an extremely bad story and further evidence how difficult it is ensure the safety of your family when you attend matches. Btw – we’re near neighbours so anytime you are around Sanremo please let me know.

  Alessio – yes, this is a horribly sad situation and I am hopeful that officials will cancel this match.

  

• ursus arctos |  November 25th, 2008 at 8:23 am

  
  
  

  No worries, j.

  La Gazzetta is reporting that UEFA confirmed that the match will go forward about ten minutes ago.

  I really hope that they determine who was behind this very quickly.

  

• j |  November 25th, 2008 at 8:46 am

  
  
  

  ursus arctos – I join you in hoping it will be solved shortly but I am not confident. Zenit has just installed a heavy surveillance system to combat problems but this is obviously beyond the scope of Football. The Russian Minister for National Emergencies has not commented yet and will hold the final decision. It is foolish to hold the match in this situation.

  

• Sam |  November 25th, 2008 at 9:06 am

  
  
  

  fucking lame

  

• ursus arctos |  November 25th, 2008 at 9:31 am

  
  
  

  Latest report is that it was a “souvenir” grenade brought back (from Chechnya?) by a ex-military officer, and that the victims are him and his family.

  Still a tragedy, but the absence of any terrorist link could explain the authorities decision to go ahead with the match (which has just kicked off).