MOSCOW — American soccer legend Alexi Lalas was confronted by an “aggressive” and "angry" fan last weekend in Moscow, where he is on assignment as part of Fox’s coverage of the FIFA World Cup.
Lalas, who is one of the sport’s most prominent voices in the United States, was left fearing for his safety following the incident near his hotel but was unharmed, according to a person close to the former U.S. international defender.
The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
"He was shaken up," the person said. "It was aggressive behavior that went a long way beyond what someone in his position might usually expect. The fan was angry."
Lalas declined comment and the incident has not interrupted his work with Fox. His employer released a statement:
“The safety and security of our Fox family is of the utmost importance in all parts of the world. Our dedicated security teams take security measures very seriously both at home and abroad. As it pertains to Fox Sports analyst Alexi Lalas, he was not physically assaulted or mugged in Moscow.”
Lalas, who is one of the sport’s most prominent voices in the United States, was left fearing for his safety following the incident near his hotel but was unharmed, according to a person close to the former U.S. international defender.
The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
"He was shaken up," the person said. "It was aggressive behavior that went a long way beyond what someone in his position might usually expect. The fan was angry."
Lalas declined comment and the incident has not interrupted his work with Fox. His employer released a statement:
“The safety and security of our Fox family is of the utmost importance in all parts of the world. Our dedicated security teams take security measures very seriously both at home and abroad. As it pertains to Fox Sports analyst Alexi Lalas, he was not physically assaulted or mugged in Moscow.”



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