Bogotá, Colombia – A distressing incident unfolded late Friday as the bus transporting the Millonarios FC team was assaulted by armed attackers, resulting in injuries to two players, just hours after their championship victory against rival team Atlético Nacional.
The assault occurred while the team was en route to a post-match celebration. According to local authorities, the attackers, who were on motorcycles, intercepted the bus on the outskirts of Bogotá and opened fire, shattering windows and causing panic among the passengers. Police have launched an investigation, treating the attack as a targeted act rather than a random act of violence.
Jorge Luis Pinto, the manager of Millonarios FC, expressed his shock and outrage over the incident. “This celebration has turned into a nightmare,” Pinto stated at a press conference following the attack. “The safety of my team is paramount, and such acts of violence cannot be tolerated.” Pinto called for increased security measures for sports teams in the country.
The injured players, whose names have been withheld for security reasons, were taken to a nearby hospital. One suffered lacerations from broken glass, while the other sustained a minor gunshot wound. Both are reported to be in stable condition and are expected to make a full recovery.
The attack comes at a time when Millonarios FC was reveling in their triumph in the local league, which heightened their national profile. “Such incidents cast a shadow over our sport’s spirit and are a blow to the morale of players who give their all,” added Pinto.
Security experts suggest that the incident could be linked to the intense rivalries that often accompany football matches in South America, where emotions run high among fans. This is not the first time that players have been targeted, and such incidents raise serious questions about the adequacy of current security measures for sports teams in volatile regions.
The Colombian Football Federation has condemned the attack and promised to review safety protocols to ensure the security of players and staff involved in the league. “Our priority is the safety of our players. We need to work together to prevent such horrendous incidents in the future,” a spokesperson for the federation said.
Local fans and communities have rallied on social media to express their support for the injured players and to demand justice. Many have called for peace and respect, highlighting the need for sports to be a unifying force, free from violence.
As the investigation continues, the incident has sparked a broader dialogue about the safety in sports and the need for comprehensive strategies to protect players from similar attacks in the future. The league, law enforcement, and communities are urged to collaborate more closely to address and mitigate these risks.
In the meantime, Millonarios FC has announced that they will not let the incident deter their spirit. Plans for additional security measures during travels and at sporting events are already underway, with hopes that such violence will not mar the future of Colombia’s beloved football.