{"id":226,"date":"2026-03-31T08:13:01","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T08:13:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/disport.com.ng\/?p=226"},"modified":"2026-03-31T08:13:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T08:13:01","slug":"olympics-fan-arrested-after-16-years-on-the-run-as-decision-to-support-country-backfires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/?p=226","title":{"rendered":"Olympics fan arrested after 16 YEARS on the run as decision to support country backfires"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_548649\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">The Winter Olympics attracts fans from far and wide &#8211; but one may be regretting their decision to buy tickets for Milano Cortina after it resulted in their long-awaited arrest<\/h2>\n<p><button class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36716092\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A general view of Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena ahead of the Men's Preliminary Group B match between Slovakia and Finland on day five of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 11, 2026\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36716092.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Ice-Hockey-Milano-Cortina-2026-Winter-Olympics-Day-5.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36716092.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_Ice-Hockey-Milano-Cortina-2026-Winter-Olympics-Day-5.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36716092.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_Ice-Hockey-Milano-Cortina-2026-Winter-Olympics-Day-5.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36716092.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Ice-Hockey-Milano-Cortina-2026-Winter-Olympics-Day-5.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"The fugitive was set to be in the crowd for Wednesday evening's ice hockey action\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">The fugitive was set to be in the crowd for Wednesday evening&#8217;s ice hockey action<cite aria-label=\"Image: Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">A thief who had evaded Italian authorities for 16 years has been arrested after returning to support his nation at the Winter Olympics. The Slovakian man returned to the scene of his alleged crimes to cheer on their ice hockey team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">But the 44-year-old, who hasn&#8217;t been named publicly, didn&#8217;t even get to the arena before police detained him. A warrant for his arrest was issued all the way back in 2010.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">It stemmed from a series of shop thefts he&#8217;s claimed to have committed. The Carabinieri police say he has 11 months and seven days to serve.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">They were able to track him down after he checked into a guesthouse on the outskirts of Milan. He&#8217;d opted to return to the country despite being on the wanted list.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The ice hockey events at the Winter Games are being held at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and the Rho Ice Hockey Arena on opposite sides of the city. The man intended to attend the former on Wednesday evening.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. <a aria-label=\"Click here to activateLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=mirror.co.uk\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to activate<\/a> or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_09d958\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\">Lindsey Vonn leg amputation reality as Winter Olympic star faces &#8216;lifelong&#8217; injury consequences<\/span><\/span><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_09d958\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\">BBC star admits she got Winter Olympics ban because of issue with her bra<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">But he found himself in handcuffs before he got there. He was subsequently escorted to the central San Vittore Prison, while Slovakia&#8217;s men got off to a flying start in their Olympics opener.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">They beat medal favourites Finland 4-1 in a major upset, adding insult to injury for the fugitive. Next up for them are Italy on Friday before facing Sweden to close out the preliminary round on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Slovakia won bronze four years ago in Beijing when NHL players were still banned. However, they&#8217;ve now returned for the first time since Sochi 2014.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-36716094\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36716094\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Juraj Slafkovsky #20 of Team Slovakia celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the first period during the Men's Preliminary Group B match between Slovakia and Finland on day five of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 11, 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36716094.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Ice-Hockey-Milano-Cortina-2026-Winter-Olympics-Day-5.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36716094.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_Ice-Hockey-Milano-Cortina-2026-Winter-Olympics-Day-5.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36716094.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_Ice-Hockey-Milano-Cortina-2026-Winter-Olympics-Day-5.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36716094.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Ice-Hockey-Milano-Cortina-2026-Winter-Olympics-Day-5.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Slovakia won their opening game but the fan wasn't there to see it\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Slovakia won their opening game but the fan wasn&#8217;t there to see it<cite aria-label=\"Image: Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">There&#8217;s been plenty of drama at Milano Cortina 2026 so far. Returning Team USA legend Lindsey Vonn dramatically crashed and broke her leg as she attempted to race without an ACL.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Jake Paul&#8217;s fianc\u00e9e Jutta Leerdam upgraded her silver medal from Beijing to gold with a dramatic victory in the 1000m speed skating. The YouTuber-turned-boxer was seen in floods of tears in the crowd as he supported his Dutch partner.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">There&#8217;s yet to be a medal for Team GB after some near misses. But further hopes include skeleton world champion Matt Weston, who&#8217;s on course for gold heading into Friday evening&#8217;s final.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!<a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MirrorSport#\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"> All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContentsEmbed_affiliate-contents-container__oTiet\" data-testid=\"affiliate-contents-embed\">\n<div data-testid=\"affiliate-content\" class=\"AffiliateContent_affiliate-content-container__10EX_ affiliate-content\">\n<p>Watch Winter Olympics 2026 live on discovery+<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-disclaimer__dG5ST\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-text__8nmDa\">This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM AffiliateContent_content-details__U6C2M AffiliateContent_has-content-img___LY95\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-image__FxPNL\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36597648.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Untitled-6jpeg.jpg\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-price-details__OpMC_\">\n<p>\u00a33.99<\/p>\n<p>discovery+<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"AffiliateContent_content-buy-btn__xWiVO buy-btn\" aria-label=\"Buy button\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4qSiovb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Get discovery+ here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM\">\n<div id=\"product-description\" class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games is running from February 6-22 and fans can enjoy more than 850 hours of action live on discovery+ via Prime Video.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Throughout the games, the \u00a33.99 discovery+ Entertainment subscription will provide access to TNT Sports 2, the home of 24\/7 Olympic coverage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Winter Olympics attracts fans from far and wide &#8211; but one may be regretting<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":227,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-226","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-football"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=226"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/227"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=226"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=226"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=226"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}