March 15, (THEWILL) – The build-up to Napoli’s crucial UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg tie against Eintracht Frankfurt has been marred by violent clashes between supporters and local police.
Frankfurt fans were involved in altercations with authorities in the centre of Naples, with local shop fronts, cars, and motorcycles damaged as a result.
Despite concerns that Frankfurt fans would try to incite trouble in Italy, permission was granted for them to purchase tickets after a legal appeal. However, the violence that ensued has caused significant damage to the city, and even supporters of Atalanta have been reported to have joined forces with Frankfurt fans to help them bypass restrictions.
Napoli captain, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, has pleaded with fans to behave and focus on the match, stating that the club can “make history if we manage to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time.” He urged supporters to avoid any provocation and to make it a day of celebration both in and out of the stadium.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
