Monza and Arsenal player Pablo Mari stabbed: everything we know so far

Spanish defender Pablo Mari was stabbed during an incident at a supermarket near Milan yesterday. Here’s everything we know about the situation.

The 29-year-old, currently on loan at Monza from Arsenal, was shopping in the Carrefour supermarket in the Milanofiori di Assago shopping centre on the outskirts of Milan yesterday evening, when he was stabbed by Andrea Tombolini. The 46-year-old attacker, who allegedly has mental health issues, also attacked four others, sadly killing a 30-year-old cashier. 

Tombolini was disarmed by former Serie A defender Massimo Tarantino, who also happened to be shopping in the Carrefour. Mari suffered a deep cut to his back and underwent a successful operation today, which’ll keep him sidelined for at least two months. The Spanish defender also saw the attacker murder the Carrefour cashier. 

Monza are set to face Bologna in their next Serie A clash on Monday October 31. They asked to postpone the match following the incident but their request was denied by Lega Serie A.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta discussed the situation today and confirmed that the club have been in contact with the Spanish defender’s relatives, providing some support to them. 

His Monza teammate Matteo Pessina penned an emotional letter to Mari on his Instagram page today, saying the squad “will fight with you in this battle with the smile and strength you have always given us.”

The attacker Tombolini provided a brief motive to the incident, telling Milan prosecutor Paolo Storari that “I thought I was sick, that I was ill. I saw all those happy people, who were well, and I felt envious.” 

Reports suggest that the 46-year-old has a history of mental issues, spending time in a psychiatric ward. He was recently in hospital after self-inflicting injuries to his face and skull by punching himself. Tombolini is unemployed and lives with his family in Milan, being somewhat of a loner. 

Mari posted a photo of himself and his partner on Instagram today following the successful operation, thanking everyone for their support and sending his condolences to the deceased cashier’s family.