Frankfurt ‘criminals’ clash with police in Naples ahead of Champions League last-16 tie

Jason Soutar
Frankfurt fans clash with police in Naples

Eintracht Frankfurt fans have caused absolute mayhem in Naples ahead of the German side’s Champions League clash against Napoli.

There were several arrests made prior to the last-16 first leg in Germany on February 21.

The problems last month resulted in Frankfurt fans being banned from attending the second leg on Wednesday evening.

The Bundesliga club would ordinarily have been entitled to around 2,700 tickets for the game in Italy.

Despite this, many supporters made the journey to Italy and have clashed with police.

A statement on the club’s official website on March 7 said: “Eintracht Frankfurt was informed late last night by UEFA that the Italian ministry of the interior is this morning going to issue an injunction against SSC Napoli, whereby the club is prohibited from selling tickets to Eintracht Frankfurt supporters for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg on Wednesday 15 March.

“This would also include the total away allocation of 2,700 tickets, of which 2,400 are in the away section, which Eintracht Frankfurt is entitled to under UEFA regulations.”

Described as “awful” by Gary Lineker, lots of footage has been trending on social media ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash.

There have been some serious clashes in Naples with car windows broken and flares, chairs and other objects being hurled.

Vehicles – including a police car – have been set on fire, as well.

Police in riot gear were able to calm the situation, but the damage was already done in what has been a brutal day in Italy.

Thankfully, Napoli ultras were unable to confront the Frankfurt supporters.

At least 600 fans arrived from Germany this week with their firepower being boosted by Atalanta ultras who got involved.

Writing on Instagram, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini expressed his support of the police in dealing with the “criminals”.

“These are not fans, they are criminals, thugs,” Salvini wrote. “I wonder if they would make the same mess in Germany?”

Clearly falling on deaf ears, Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo released a video prior to the second leg urging supporters to avoid engaging in any violent behaviour.

“We are having an exceptional season and tomorrow we can make Napoli history if we manage to reach the quarter-finals for the first time,” Di Lorenzo said.

“We must all try to have a good day without disorder or quarrels with whoever arrives in the city. Not only at the stadium but in the streets, in the squares, everywhere.

“As your captain, I ask you not to fall into provocations. Let’s try to make tomorrow a day of celebration. We do not accept any provocation. Everyone in the stadium with serenity and joy.”

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