‘Bomb’ explodes on football team’s bus
Brazilian football club Bahia have said three players were injured when a bomb exploded as the team traveled to a match on Thursday.
The incident happened ahead of a regional cup clash with rivals Sampaio Correa at the Fonte Nova Arena.
The club shared images of the blast on social media, showing bloodstained seats on the vehicle and a hole made by the explosion.
“Esporte Clube Bahia reports that a bomb exploded inside the team’s bus on arrival at Fonte Nova and athletes were injured,” read the message.
“The most worrying case is that of goalkeeper Danilo Fernandes, who was hit by shrapnel in the face and already taken to a hospital.”
O Esporte Clube Bahia informa que uma bomba explodiu dentro do ônibus da equipe na chegada à Fonte Nova e atletas ficaram feridos. O caso mais preocupante é do goleiro Danilo Fernandes, atingido por estilhaços no rosto e já encaminhado a um hospital. Grupo discute se terá jogo. pic.twitter.com/qHpRJtmpnf
— Esporte Clube Bahia (@ECBahia) February 24, 2022
As well as Fernandes, defender Matheus Bahia and forward Marcelo Cirino were also injured.
An update later said Fernandes was “fine” but would remain in hospital after suffering “multiple injuries to his face, neck and lower limbs.”
In a separate tweet, the club showed damage to a nearby car being driven by a woman which was also hit.
Um carro que transitava ao lado do ônibus tricolor, na altura do último viaduto da Av. Bonocô, conduzido por uma mulher, também acabou atingido. pic.twitter.com/fbAMlT1AaJ
— Esporte Clube Bahia (@ECBahia) February 24, 2022
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, police have promised to investigate the incident with “maximum force.”
“We will collect images from cameras, statements of the players and also of witnesses passing by the place at that time. We will act with maximum force to identify and arrest the perpetrators,” said a police spokesperson.
No arrests have been made, although the suspects were reportedly seen in two vehicles and threw “explosive devices” at the bus.
There were suggestions that those behind the apparent attack were disgruntled fans of the team.
Bahia were relegated to Brazil’s Serie B in 2021, and back in January crowds gathered to protest in front of the residence of club president Guilherme Bellintani, according to Globo.
📸 Galeria de fotos da noite de ontem ➡️ https://t.co/CraFLnhzMv#BBMPpic.twitter.com/ox8d6IetSM
— Esporte Clube Bahia (@ECBahia) February 25, 2022
Remarkably, Bahia went on to win the Copa do Nordeste match 2-0 on Thursday thanks to goals from Daniel Sampaio Simoes – known as ‘Danielzinho’ – and Hugo Rodallega.
“The group, through its dignity and professionalism, will enter the field to honor the colors of Bahia,” said head coach Guto Ferreira of the decision to go ahead with the match.
