Napoli’s Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt was overshadowed by scenes of vicious violence on the streets of Naples.
Tensions initially arose after the Italian government banned all German fans from purchasing tickets for the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tie between the two clubs. The local authorities in Naples then changed this to restrict ticket sales to those from Frankfurt itself.
Two appeals from Eintracht were rejected, but regardless around 600 German ultras decided to make the trip to the Campania capital.
Early on Wednesday afternoon, the Eintracht ultras gathered in Piazza del Gesù. Buses arrived to take them back to their hotels, but the supporters refused to board, which was the start of the trouble.
Tensions escalated and Eintracht fans started launching objects and missiles at the Naples police. A police car was set on fire and tables and chairs began being thrown as the Eintracht fans began to express their rage on the streets of the city.
Napoli ultras started to gather and were initially blocked by police, until they made their way to Via Monteoliveto, where they throw stones and other objects at a passing bus carrying Eintracht fans.
Numerous fights broke out and a number of fans and police officers alike suffered injuries, with two Eintracht ultras reportedly being stabbed. At one point, a service pistol was stolen before it was quickly recovered by the authorities.
Eight people have been arrested so far – five Napoli fans and three Eintracht ultras. Six police officers suffered injuries and around 470 German supporters have been identified.
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