The football world is once again a sobering reminder that behind spectacular matches and loud headlines stand real people—each with their joys and, sadly, their ordeals.
Tragedy in the Midfielder’s Family
The one-year-old son of 26-year-old Bari central midfielder Matthias Verret has passed away. The shocked family immediately halted all personal and professional plans, receiving full support from the club and team-mates.
Club Decision: Training Camp Ended Early
The squad was holding a pre-season training camp outside Apulia, working on tactical patterns and set pieces ahead of the Serie B kick-off. Upon hearing the tragic news, the sporting department together with president Luigi De Laurentiis ordered an immediate shutdown of the camp, canceled the upcoming friendly and brought the team back to base as a sign of mourning.
Words of Support from the Red-and-White Camp
In an official communiqué, management emphasized: “There are no words to describe our sorrow. As one red-and-white family we want to embrace Matthias, his wife and their elder daughter as they endure an irreplaceable loss.” The coaching staff promised to give the player unlimited time to recover, stressing that “football is only a game when human lives are at stake.”
Appeal to the Tifosi
The club asked supporters to stand by the Verret family in thought and spirit: leave messages of condolence on social media, refrain from visiting the training ground and respect the family’s privacy. A memorial corner is already being prepared at the San Nicola stadium where fans will be able to lay flowers and scarves.
Next Steps for the Team
Bari’s sporting calendar will be adjusted; a new date for the canceled friendly will be announced later. League officials have expressed readiness to postpone the opening matchday should the team deem it necessary. For now the priority is to support a player who has lost what is most precious and to remind the entire football community of the human side of the sport.
