Newcastle fan Eddie McKay, along with his son and a friend, was involved in a violent incident in Milan on Monday night. They were attacked by a group of seven or eight individuals, resulting in McKay being stabbed. Thankfully, he is currently in stable condition and receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.
The incident occurred shortly before Newcastle’s first Champions League match in 20 years against AC Milan. Taking place on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, this highly anticipated game has garnered significant attention. The 58-year-old victim, Eddie McKay, hails from Newcastle and was targeted while in Milan to support his beloved team.
During the attack, McKay’s attempt to escape was unsuccessful, leading him to sustain multiple stab wounds to his back and arm. Nevertheless, he received immediate care from paramedics at the scene before being transferred to a hospital. Milan police have confirmed his presence in the city, and despite his stable condition, McKay remains understandably shocked.
Newcastle Football Club has expressed its deep concern for the injured supporter and is actively working with local authorities to gather more information about the incident. Their thoughts and well-wishes go out to the victim, his family, and all the other Newcastle fans affected by this unsettling event.
Meanwhile, McKay’s daughter, Rachel, has spoken out about her father’s condition, stating that he is stable but visibly shaken. She conveys her disappointment for missing the game but emphasizes the importance of safety for all Newcastle fans who are present in Milan. Rachel plans to join her father later, expressing her anxiety and sleeplessness through the night.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether the attack was solely motivated by football-related factors or if other reasons contributed to the violence. Despite this distressing incident, Newcastle’s match against AC Milan is scheduled to proceed as planned at the San Siro. The club has designated 4,000 tickets for this clash, though it is noteworthy that additional fans without tickets have also converged in Milan, eagerly awaiting the match.