lazio captain Immobile attacked in the presence of his family

Lazio captain Ciro Immobile was "verbally and physically" attacked in front of his wife and young son on Friday, according to a statement.

Agency Scarlott Management said on Immobile's behalf on Instagram that a group of people attacked the 34-year-old outside his four-year-old son's school.

The statement said the attack was the result of “incitement to hatred carried out and supported by some of the media and journalists, who spread words of hatred towards Ciro Immobile through their social media channels.”

Immobile has been accused on social media of being involved in the departure of coach Maurizio Sarri by turning his back on him.

Sarri resigned on Wednesday in the wake of four defeats in all competitions for a Champions League last 16 exit and ninth place in Serie A.

The Scarlott agency said that Immobile has asked his lawyers to take legal action because "incitement to hatred is a criminal offence that must be punished."