Paris Saint-Germain women's player in custody following alleged attack on teammate
Paris Saint-Germain confirmed that French authorities took women's club player Aminata Diallo into custody Wednesday morning after an attack on another one of the club's players.
The club did not reveal the name of the victim, but according to L'Equipe and the New York Times, Kheira Hamraoui is recovering from injuries to her legs and hands she suffered after a team dinner last week. With Hamraoui sidelined by her injuries, Diallo, 26, replaced the 31-year-old in PSG's starting lineup for its Champions League match against Real Madrid on Tuesday, a 4-0 victory in the group stage.
Per the reports, Diallo drove with Hamraoui after the meal Thursday and were stopped by two men, who pulled them out of the vehicle.
Hamraoui was assaulted while Diallo was held by one of the assailants, according to the Times. French broadcaster BFM TV reported that several people wearing masks attacked, with Hamraoui requiring stitches to her hands and legs after being hit with a metal bar.
PSG "condemns in the strongest possible terms the violence committed" and is working with the Versailles Police, while providing extra security for its women's club players.
Hamraoui previously played for PSG from 2012-16, and became teammates with Diallo in her final season. They are also teammates on France's women's national team.
Hamraoui rejoined PSG this offseason and Diallo effectively became her backup.
The incident is reminiscent of the infamous attack on U.S. figure skater Nancy Kerrigan in 1994. A plan devised by supporters of rival Tonya Harding resulted in Kerrigan being hit with a police baton, which forced her out of the U.S. Championships. Harding denied any involvement.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: PSG player Aminata Diallo in custody after alleged attack on teammate
