Barcelona: Four individuals have been apprehended following a knife assault on the father of young Spanish football talent Lamine Yamal in Catalonia, as reported by local police to AFP on Thursday.
The incident occurred at 1910 GMT on Wednesday in a parking area in the town of Mataro, located approximately 30 kilometers from Barcelona, specifically in the Rocafonda neighborhood where Lamine Yamal resides, according to a spokesperson for the Mossos d’Esquadra, the regional police force of Catalonia.
Mounir Nasraoui, Yamal’s father, sustained multiple stab wounds and is currently receiving treatment at Can Ruti hospital, which was unavailable for comment when contacted by AFP.
A family source informed AFP that Nasraoui is now “out of danger” and remains “under observation” in a “stable” condition. When inquired about the incident and the potential timeline for the victim’s discharge from the hospital, the source declined to provide further details.
Three suspects were arrested on Wednesday night and are being interrogated at the Mataro police station, while a fourth individual was taken into custody at 0900 GMT on Thursday morning. Investigators are also expected to interview the victim “as soon as possible,” along with witnesses, to clarify the details surrounding the attack, according to police statements.
Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia reported that the altercation ensued after an argument in the street with several men who approached Nasraoui while he was walking his dog and subsequently returned to assault him. Lamine Yamal made his debut for Barcelona at the age of 15 in April 2023 and gained significant recognition last season, establishing himself as a vital player for the club.
Now 17, he played an instrumental role in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024, marking a record fourth championship for the nation and becoming the youngest footballer to both play and score in the tournament’s history. Yamal’s father and grandmother continue to reside in Rocafonda, and he often celebrates his goals with a ‘304’ hand gesture, symbolizing the postcode of his neighborhood.
Nasraoui gained prominence during the European Championship through his active social media presence and media engagements, frequently sharing content that showcases his support for his son.
