Armed Robbery at Goalkeeper’s Residence
Villarreal goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi will not feature in tonight’s Champions League fixture against Napoli following an armed robbery at his home. The Spanish club confirmed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving the player in a state of shock that prevents him from participating in the high-stakes European match.
Details of the Incident
According to reports by Il Fatto Quotidiano, the robbery took place in the residential area of Monasterios, located in Puçol, Valencia. Gulacsi was at home with his wife and two young children when the armed intruders broke into the property. Authorities were notified immediately following the incident and have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances and identify those responsible. While the investigation is ongoing, no specific details regarding the stolen items or the suspects have been released.
Club Response and Player Status
Villarreal CF has officially confirmed that none of the family members were physically injured during the ordeal. However, due to the significant psychological trauma caused by the event, the club has opted to leave Gulacsi out of the squad for the match at La Cerámica. Brazilian goalkeeper Luiz Júnior is expected to take his place in the starting lineup.
A Growing Trend in Spanish Football
This incident is the latest in a series of home invasions targeting professional footballers in Spain. The report notes that such crimes have become an recurring concern for players in the region. A similar incident occurred in February 2024, when former Villarreal midfielder Étienne Capoue faced an attempted robbery at his home while dining with his family. Other players, including former Valencia stars, have also been targeted in recent years. For now, the focus remains on the well-being of the Gulacsi family as they recover from the traumatic event.