Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Aminata Diallo was taken into custody on Wednesday as part of an investigation into an attack on teammate Kheira Hamraoui which left the 21-year-old with leg and hand injuries.
The French giants confirmed that Diallo, 26, was taken into custody as part of the proceedings opened by the Regional Police Service of Versailles and that the club is working with the authorities to clarify events before acting and did not name Hamraoui.
“Paris Saint-Germain condemns in the strongest possible terms the violence committed,” read the PSG statement. “Since Thursday evening the Club has taken all necessary measures to guarantee the health, well-being and safety of its entire women’s team.
“Paris Saint-Germain is working with the Versailles Police to clarify the facts. The Club is paying close attention to the progress of the proceedings and will study what action to take.”
According to French sports daily L’Equipe and the New York Times, Diallo has been accused of being involved in a premeditated attack on Hamraoui, who had her legs hit by masked men armed with metal bars after a team meal.
Diallo’s arrest comes after she played for PSG women against Real Madrid in the Champions League due to Hamraoui’s injuries.
The summer arrival from Barcelona reportedly accepted a ride home from Diallo post-dinner before two men stopped the car, pulled the two women out and assaulted Hamraoui while Diallo was held by one of the two masked assailants.
The incident has parallels with the 1994 attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan who was hit with a police baton as part of a plan devised by the ex-husband of rival skater Tonya Harding. The attack ultimately forced Kerrigan out of the U.S. Championships and secured Harding’s ’94 Olympics squad berth, though Kerrigan was awarded a spot on the team as well.
Kerrigan went on to win Olympic silver while Harding has denied involvement but pleaded guilty to hindering prosecution.