Preziosi later reveals that he would do it again after altercation over club sale rumours.
Genoa president Enrico Preziosi attacked a journalist on Tuesday, after the reporter was attempting to question the supremo on rumours regarding a potential sale of the club.
The Il Secolo XIX reporter, Valerio Arrichello, can be seen grappling with the club owner, who kicks out at him before snatching his camera off him. He then watches on in horror as Preziosi smashes it on the floor and walks away from the scene.
The altercation drew widespread criticism after it was captured on a different camera, but despite apologising for his behaviour and promising to pay for a replacement, Preziosi says he would do it again.
“I removed a camera that was positioned in an improper fashion,” Preziosi toldTGCom, as reported by football-italia.net.
“I already apologised and said I’ll pay for the camera. However, it’s not right to ambush people. My reaction might be criticised, but the violence I suffered was worse.
“I will not accept someone filming me in secret and then ambushing me. In that context, I would indeed do it again.”
The club patron has since blasted speculation that he is looking to sell the club, but his physical assault has drawn more headlines. While it is clear that Arrichello kept a distance away from him, he clearly didn’t take kindly to being questioned after lunch.
Watch the video below to see the altercation:
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