Arsenal fans have been told to keep a low profile in the Italian city, which has also seen multiple football related stabbings and shocking incidents of fan violence over the years
Arsenal fans have been told by the club to not wear any team shirts or scarves and to avoid Naples city centre amid fears they could be targeted by violent football ultras.
The Gunners issued the stark warning on their website ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with travelling supporters have been told not to gather in large groups, become separated from other fans or make their allegiance obvious while exploring the Italian city.
Arsenal said: “We advise that travelling supporters do not wear club colours. Supporters should not congregate en masse in public areas and should avoid becoming isolated in areas away from the Port of Naples/Stazione Marittima.
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“We recommend that supporters do not visit the city centre, particularly if easily identified as an Arsenal supporter. If you choose to do so, you should remain vigilant.”
The warning comes just eight months after two Chelsea supporters were taken to hospital following an attack in Naples before a Champions League fixture in January.
Witnesses reportedly claimed a group of fans was chased by masked Napoli ultras, with one supporter allegedly stabbed with a screwdriver. Chelsea confirmed two fans suffered non-life-threatening injuries and warned others to exercise “extreme caution”.
Two Liverpool fans were hospitalised with stab wounds before a Europa League match there in October 2010, with several other supporters also badly injured in other clashes with frightening Neapolitan ultras.
Liverpool later advised supporters travelling to Naples in 2019 to remain inside their hotels, avoid wearing club colours and not travel around the city alone.
Meanwhile, in 2013, a gang of around 30 masked men believed to be Napoli supporters attacked Piebury Corner, a restaurant popular with Arsenal fans near the Emirates Stadium. Chairs were hurled through windows and one person was taken to hospital.
For tonight’s fixture, Arsenal and Italian police have told fans to assemble at a designated meeting point at Molo Angioino before boarding free police-escorted buses which is around 4 miles from the stadium, with the club “strongly advise against” using taxis or public transport to reach the game.
Fans also must carry their original passport and match ticket, with photographs or photocopies of ID not accepted at the turnstiles.
Supporters are also likely to be kept inside the stadium for at least an hour after the final whistle before being returned to the port aboard escorted buses.