The Italian Serie B club Salernitana has been hit by food poisoning in the middle of their fight against relegation. A large part of the selection had to go to the hospital after the away match against Sampdoria. According to the Italian press agency ANSA, there are suspicions of intent.
According to Salernitana, 21 players and staff members have suffered “severe” food poisoning. A large part of them had to be transported to the hospital from the airport upon their return.
Due to the large number of sick individuals, the number sixteen in Serie B has requested to postpone the return match, which is scheduled for Friday. The first match of the two-legged tie ended in 2-0 for Sampdoria, the number seventeen of last season. The stake of the match is a longer stay in Serie B, the second level of Italy.
“Many players and staff members are currently unable to even come to the sports center to resume training,” says Salernitana chairman Maurizio Milan. “We trust that the relevant authorities will take this serious situation into account and at the same time find out the causes of this widespread and serious episode.”
Training canceled
Salernitana has decided to cancel Monday’s training, according to a statement on the website. The club has launched an investigation into the events.
“The club has immediately put all necessary procedures in place to protect the health of its members and has informed the competent authorities. The club reserves the right to take action at the designated locations a few days before the return match,” the statement said.
During the charter flight from Genoa to Salerno, several players and staff members felt unwell. Upon arrival at the airport, ambulances were needed to transport the sick. The team had eaten a meal in Genoa.