English football fan stabbed in Milan

LONDON, England -- A Leeds United supporter is in critical condition after being attacked and stabbed in Milan on the eve of a vital European Championship match.

Few details were available on the incident but Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale is liaising with the Italian police.

The man, whose name has not been released, has undergone emergency surgery.

David Walker, director of corporate affairs and club spokesman, said: "We are unable to comment fully at this time because we are still looking into this matter."

Leeds United supporters were in Milan for Wednesday night's crucial Champions League tie with AC Milan.

If Leeds Utd draw or win they will progress to the competition's second phase with Milan, who have already qualified.

The match has alread produced some controversy as Barcelona -- who could progress to the second stage if Leeds lose -- have reputedly offered Milan players a lucrative win bonus.

Last season, two Leeds Utd fans were killed in Turkey before a UEFA Cup semi-final first leg match against Galatasaray.

Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight were killed ahead of a UEFA Cup semi-final first-leg clash with Galatasaray.

On hearing about the latest incident, Ray Fell, chairman of the Leeds United Supporters' Association, said: "I'm rather shattered. After the deaths of two of our supporters earlier this year in Turkey I hoped it was something we would never have to go through again."

"It's hard to bear. It's something we all hoped would never happen again -- and at times like this you wonder if the game is worth it.

"We are continually looking to see what steps are being taken to prevent a repeat of events in Istanbul. You liaise with everybody but you can only do so much."

Fell expects between 5,000 and 7,000 Leeds fans to be present at the match in the San Siro Stadium -- the largest away following the club have taken to Europe since the 1975 European Cup Final against Bayern Munich in Paris.

Barca, Milan deny incentive offered to beat Leeds

Leeds United Football Club
AC Milan

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