Football: Gazza held by police

Patricia Clough
Friday 28 January 1994 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

PAUL GASCOIGNE'S unhappy stay in Italy worsened yesterday, on the eve of his mentor's appointment as England manager. Gascoigne, who thrived under Terry Venables at Tottenham before moving to Lazio, was taken to a Rome police station for questioning after allegedly injuring a cameraman who tried to photograph him and his girlfriend, writes Patricia Clough from Rome.

The photographer, Lino Nanni, was given first aid at a nearby hospital for a bruise on his forehead. A second photographer, Nicola Amoroso of Il Tempo newspaper, was hit by Gascoigne's companion in the face with a handbag as they entered the police station, colleagues on the newspaper said.

Gascoigne and his girlfriend were strolling in the Piazza di Spagna when Nanni, who works for a photo-agency, photographed them several times and followed them into a shop. In the ensuing row Gascoigne allegedly head-butted the photographer. Police, who are permanently stationed in the busy square, were called in while a large crowd gathered.

Gascoigne had his personal details taken by police and was allowed to leave without charge after about 30 minutes.

Nanni, 53, emerged from the police station with two gauze bandages over cuts on his forehead. 'He hit me, I didn't hit him,' Nanni said.

'He came out (of the store), told me to wait and then went back inside. Then he came rushing back out. He was agitated. I think he was cursing in English. He tried to take the camera. I said, 'Stay calm'. He tried to kick me, then he swung a punch.' Nanni, or the police themselves, have 90 days to file charges against Gascoigne.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in