Israeli Basketball Player's Pregnant Wife Attacked by Fans in Italy

An Israeli woman, Stav Yitzhak, who is nine months pregnant and married to Rimini basketball player Cody Demps, was verbally assaulted by two local fans after a second-division game in Italy on Sunday. The fans reportedly shouted "Murderer! Murderer!" at Yitzhak and made a gun gesture. Yitzhak, who was visibly distressed and began to cry, received immediate support from other fans and the wives of players present, some of whom intervened to remove the attackers. The incident occurred as players were heading to the locker rooms and most spectators had left the arena. Security personnel removed the two assailants, with one continuing to hurl insults at Yitzhak. Police arrived at the scene, and the special Italian police unit DIGOS is now investigating to identify and locate the perpetrators. As there were no camera recordings of the incident, investigators are relying on eyewitness accounts. The two individuals could face a ban from sporting events and charges related to incitement and hate crimes. Demps, who previously played in Israel for Hapoel Beer Sheva/Dimona and Elizur Netanya, has received widespread support from the Rimini team and its fans. The Rimini club issued a statement condemning the incident, distancing itself from the actions of individuals, and asserting that they do not represent the club's values. The Mayor of Rimini, Jamil Sadegholvaad, expressed solidarity with Yitzhak, calling the event "shameful" and stating it does not represent the city.