Scottish Soccer: Police probe attack on footballer

Police were today investigating an assault on a Scottish Premier League footballer just yards from his club’s ground.

Dundee Football Club said Italian midfielder Patrizio Bilio was attacked outside Dens Park in Tannadice Street, Dundee, at about noon yesterday.

It is understood the player was taken to Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, for treatment and discharged, but later returned to the hospital after feeling unwell.

Tayside Police confirmed they were investigating an assault in Tannadice Street and appealed for witnesses.

A spokesman said: ‘‘Enquiries are continuing into the allegation and police are keen to speak to a male who was seen in the vicinity.

‘‘He is described as being aged in his late 20s to early 30s, around 5ft 10ins in height, of slim build and has a skinhead.

‘‘He was wearing a cream coloured top with blue on it and was last seen walking eastwards in Tannadice Street.’’

Dundee director Jim Connor confirmed that Bilio, 27, had needed hospital treatment.

He said: ‘‘We have checked with the hospital this evening and spoken to the ward sister and we believe the player is satisfactory and has been kept in overnight for observation.

‘‘All of the thoughts of Dundee Football Club are with the player at this time. We very much hope the perpetrator is caught very, soon.

‘‘He seemed to be marked, but it’s not for me to say how badly hurt he was.’’

Mr Connor added: ‘‘We are obviously very concerned that there was a situation today at the ground, or outside the ground, with one of our players.

‘‘It’s a matter of police investigation and because of that there is not too much we can say.’’

Club co-ordinator Dario Magri said the incident occurred while the first team players were on their way to Motherwell, where they lost 4-2.

A spokesman for Ninewells Hospital said he was unable to release any details about Bilio’s condition.