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Four arrested after Spanish soccer player Yamal's father stabbed

Lamine Yamal poses with his father Mounir Nasraoui following Spain's victory over England in the Euro 2024 final
Lamine Yamal poses with his father Mounir Nasraoui following Spain's victory over England in the Euro 2024 final

Four people have been arrested and a fourth is wanted after a knife attack on the father of 17-year-old Spanish football player Lamine Yamal in Catalonia, local police said.

The attack took place yesterday evening in a car park in the Catalan town of Mataro, around 30km from Barcelona, in the Rocafonda neighbourhood where Lamine Yamal is from, said a spokesman for the Mossos d'Esquadra, the Catalan regional police force.

Yamal's father Mounir Nasraoui was stabbed several times the police said, and is being treated at the Can Ruti hospital.

A source close to the family told AFP that Mr Nasraoui is now "out of danger" and "remains under observation" but in a "stable" condition.

Asked about the events and the victim's possible release date from hospital, the source did not wish to say more.

Lamine Yamal plays in the Joan Gmaper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and AS Monaco on 12 August

Three people were arrested last night and were being questioned at Mataro police station, while a fourth was taken into custody this morning.

Investigators must also interview the victim "as soon as possible", as well as witnesses, to uncover the circumstances of the attack, said the police.

Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia said the incident occurred after an argument in the street with some men who had approached him while he was walking his dog and later returned to assault him.

Yamal made his Barcelona debut aged 15 in April 2023 and burst into the limelight last season, becoming a key player for the Catalan giants.

Mounir Nasraoui pictured in July in Rocafonda, the neighbourhood where his son grew up

The winger, now 17, played a key role for his country as Spain triumphed at Euro 2024 for a record fourth time, becoming the youngest ever footballer to play and score in the competition's history.

Yamal's father and grandmother still live in Rocafonda and he tends to celebrate goals by making a '304' gesture with his hands, referring to the postcode of his neighbourhood.

Mr Nasraoui became famous during the European Championship for his social media presence and media appearances, frequently posting content showing his support for his son.