A whole lot of England followers had been stored on buses and pushed round Naples for their very own security forward of Thursday’s Euro 2024 qualifiers with Italy, Sky Sports activities Information was stated
The UK Soccer Police Unit, working intently with their Italian counterparts, have been made conscious of a ‘credible risk’ from Napoli Ultras, directed in opposition to England followers, and so it has been determined to take away as many streets early in case they’re attacked.
Many England followers have stated Sky Sports activities Information their anger at being stored cramped on the buses for greater than 90 minutes, for a journey that ought to have taken lower than half that point if the drivers had taken essentially the most direct path to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
There have been additionally strict checks on passports and match tickets, with England followers compelled to point out ID whereas police photographed them earlier than boarding buses.
Sky Sports activities Information has found pre-match police intelligence urged dwelling followers hardly needed hassle, however that modified when an England fan unfurled a flag taunting Napoli followers about of the dying of their hero Diego Maradona.
The flag, which learn “Diego is in a field”, was broadly shared on social media.
This led to the Italian Ultras mobilizing, able to assault England followers, and so the police determined to behave to separate the 2 teams of supporters.
Napoli Ultras graffiti
The English part of the stadium was additionally locked down for greater than an hour after the sport, with followers returning to their inns round two hours after the ultimate whistle.
The FA have launched an investigation and brought swift motion in opposition to the proprietor of the attacking flag.
“We strongly condemn the actions of the person who traveled to Napoli with a flag bearing a really offensive message,” the FA stated. Sky Sports activities Information.
“We instantly took motion to have their ticket canceled earlier than the sport.”
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