Chelsea supporters attacked in Naples ahead of Champions League match
Two Chelsea supporters were reportedly stabbed in Naples on Tuesday evening ahead of tonight’s crucial Champions League encounter with Napoli, reports BritPanorama.
The fans were taken to hospital overnight, where they are receiving treatment for injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
According to witnesses, the incident occurred while the supporters were en route to a pub in the city. Aadam, one of the victims, stated that his companion was stabbed after approximately 25 Napoli ultras pursued them through the streets, calling the event “terrifying.”
Aadam described a group of seven fans, who had just finished dining, walking towards the Kitebeer pub when they encountered a large group of masked ultras. “Straight away they started shouting ‘where are you from?’ and everyone knew it was dangerous,” he explained.
The Chelsea fan recounted how panic ensued when they were attacked. “The guys at the front started running and, unfortunately, they grabbed Marcus by his shoulder… It was with a screwdriver, rather than a knife, but it obviously caused him a lot of pain,” he noted. Following the attack, they managed to escape and encountered police, who arranged for emergency medical assistance.
Chelsea FC has been in contact with Aadam and Marcus as the two fans consider attending the game. Aadam remarked, “We’re thinking about whether or not to go. We’ve both been shaken up by what happened and now we just don’t know how safe it will be.” This incident raises troubling questions regarding safety amid competitive fixtures and highlights the often fragile nature of football fandom.
In light of this incident, Chelsea issued a statement urging fans to exercise extreme caution while in Naples. The club emphasized the importance of adhering to safety advice provided prior to the match.
This incident serves as a reminder of the intense rivalry that can exist within European football, often leading to violence that overshadows the spirit of the game.
