Furlan Club in Thornbury, The Emerald reception centre in Thomastown vow to rebuild

The latest venues to become collateral damage in Melbourne’s gangland friction — including a club that was to have hosted a Sam “the Punisher” Abdulrahim boxing match — say they will reopen.

Two venues which this week became collateral damage in Melbourne’s gangland conflict have vowed to rebuild.

Furlan Club management has been left devastated by an arson attack carried out two days before it was to host a fight involving gangland figure Sam “the Punisher” Abdulrahim.

The popular Thornbury venue was to run the event on Saturday night but arsonists struck in the early hours of Thursday morning, around the time The Emerald reception centre in Thomastown was firebombed.

It is suspected the blazes are the work of crime exile Kazem Hamad, who has been waging a fiery war from the Middle East against Abdulrahim and others for many months.

A number of properties associated with Sam “The Punisher” Abdulramin have been burnt down. Picture: Instagram

Abdulrahim (yellow tank top) enters the Furlan Club on Thursday after the fire. Picture: Supplied

A statement on the Furlan Club’s Facebook page said their community had lost a gathering place.

“The things that occupied our days, the lives we worked to help and change, the opportunities offered all came to a grinding halt. The feeling that no longer were we able to gather for a common purpose, work, family, community, sharing and celebrations,” the statement said.

“In one fell swoop taken away, a fire that threatened life thankfully took none, everyone was safe.”

The club vowed to rebuild in its message.

“The cultural significance of our club is undeniably historical. Australians along with our strong Italian community and culture will come together better and stronger than ever to watch our phoenix rise from the ashes,” it said.

The Furlan Club was damaged in a fire police say was a targeted attack. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The Emerald have voted to rebuild. Picture: Supplied

Management of The Emerald also spoke of the massive impact of what had happened.

The venue pledged to support everyone affected, including brides and grooms who have had plans thrown into chaos.

“We will work together to assist you with your event in regards to rescheduling or organising another venue,” management said on Facebook.

Despite this devastating situation, we want to reassure our community that this setback will not deter us. We are committed to rebuilding The Emerald as swiftly as possible.