What should have been just another weekend match turned into a nightmare for 13-year-old Thomas Sarritzu.
The young goalkeeper of Volpiano Pianese, a Piedmontese club, ended up in the hospital after a terrifying incident involving a rival player’s parent.
Sarritzu suffered a fractured ankle, neck trauma, and severe bruising following an under-14s clash against Carmagnola Queencar, a team based near Turin.
The drama unfolded after Sarritzu and the opposing goalkeeper, 13-year-old Cristian Barbero, exchanged blows at the final whistle.
Violence Escalates With Parent Intervention
The situation took a shocking turn when Barbero’s 40-year-old father stormed onto the pitch and punched Sarritzu, knocking him to the ground.
According to ANSA, the sudden attack left everyone stunned and sparked outrage across Italian football.
Football Community Reacts With Support
Messages of support poured in for Thomas, including from some of Italy’s top goalkeepers.
Manchester City and Italy star Gianluigi Donnarumma shared a heartfelt message: “We are all with Thomas, we are all by his side, and I’m sending him a big hug. We look forward to seeing him soon in Coverciano.”
Legendary Gianluigi Buffon also spoke out, describing the incident as “stunning” and “disorienting.”
He urged young players to respond to violence with forgiveness, highlighting that breaking the cycle of aggression is the only way to protect the integrity of the sport.
Shocking Disciplinary Decisions
In an unexpected twist, both Sarritzu and Barbero were handed 12-month bans by the Lega Dilettanti disciplinary commission for violent conduct.
Officials emphasized that the suspensions were necessary, stating: “Considering the gravity of the violent conduct from very young kids, which damages the healthy principles of sport based on fair play.”
Adding to the controversy, Sarritzu’s father, Angelo, who is also a director at Volpiano Pianese, received a ban until March 2026 for confronting the other parent involved in the attack.
The Road Ahead
The incident has sparked a wider debate about behavior in youth sports and the responsibilities of both players and adults on the sidelines.
While the bans have angered some, the hope is that this shocking episode serves as a wake-up call for clubs, parents, and young athletes alike to uphold the values of fair play and respect on and off the pitch.