Violent scenes broke out prior to the Champions League round of 16 clash between Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt where the Italian police had to intervene
Despite a ban on visiting fans, Eintracht Frankfurt supporters traveled to Naples for their Champions League match against Napoli.
However, clashes erupted between the fans and police on the streets of Naples. Videos on social media showed crowds throwing objects at police officers with riot shields while a police car was seen to be on fire.
Napoli’s fans clash with Frankfurt supporters
Italy’s deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini responded to one video of the clashes on Instagram.
“These are not fans, they are criminals and delinquents,” he said.
“I wonder if they would make the same mess in Germany. Maximum solidarity and support to the police forces.”
After violence during the last-16 first leg in Germany, the Italian Ministry of the Interior banned Eintracht Frankfurt supporters from attending the return fixture against Napoli.
Eintracht Frankfurt tried to overturn the decision. However, when the Administrative Court of Campania upheld the ban on Frankfurt residents purchasing tickets, the German club decided not to take up their allocation of away tickets for the match.
Before Wednesday’s game, several reports indicated that some Eintracht Frankfurt fans had made it to Naples despite the ban.
“These are not fans, they are criminals and delinquents“
Additionally, there were local reports suggesting that fans of Napoli had also been involved in the incidents.
Earlier in the season, UEFA charged Eintracht with racist behavior, setting off fireworks, and throwing objects. They were accused of causing damage following their Champions League fixture against Marseille in September.
