The row between Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis and the ultras continues to rumble on, as the club hit back at claims organised fan groups are being unfairly targeted by the authorities.
The problems have been bubbling on since at least pre-season and only intensified in recent weeks, leading to a protest against the club owners that saw ultras sit in silence and with their backs to the pitch during the 4-0 defeat to Milan.
These groups claimed they were protesting against raised ticket prices and the limitations on what they can bring into the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, including unauthorised flags, banners and megaphones.
It was noted that the travelling Milan supporters had all those elements in place in their end of the stadium, so today Napoli released a statement assuring there was no preferential treatment for the away fans.
“It is possible to enter the Stadio Maradona with flags and banners. The procedure indicated on the official website since the start of the season simply needs to be followed.
“This procedure was followed by the Milan fans who were present at Sunday’s match.”
The Napoli ultras pointed out in response that this didn’t explain why Lazio supporters last month managed to smuggle in both Fascist-themed banners and explosive devices.
A brawl broke out twice in the Curva B between different sets of Napoli fans who disagreed over how the protest should be held, and they can expect banning orders from the stadium – called a DASPO.
This is likely to further inflame the situation and increase the tension between the club and its organised fanbase.