Chelsea Issue Urgent Safety Warning Following Fan Incident in Naples
Chelsea Football Club has issued a strong statement urging all travelling supporters to take extreme caution while in Naples, following an incident on Tuesday evening that resulted in two fans being hospitalised. The Premier League side faces Serie A champions Napoli in their final Champions League group stage match at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Wednesday night, with approximately 2,500 Chelsea supporters holding tickets for the crucial encounter.
Hospital Treatment for Non-Life-Threatening Injuries
The club confirmed in an official statement that two supporters sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received treatment at a local hospital. While there has been no official confirmation regarding the exact cause of the injuries, Chelsea's warning to fans comes amid longstanding concerns about safety for away supporters in the Italian city during UEFA competition matches.
The statement read: "The club is aware of an incident that took place on Tuesday evening in Naples. Two fans are being treated in hospital, having sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The club would like to remind all supporters to exercise extreme caution whilst in the city and take note of the advice shared ahead of this fixture."
Specific Safety Advice for Travelling Supporters
Chelsea had previously issued detailed travel guidance earlier this month, explicitly warning that attacks on away fans have sometimes occurred in Naples during European matches. The club's current advice includes:
- Avoid walking around the city unnecessarily
- Refrain from wearing club colours or emblems that identify them as Chelsea supporters
- Follow all safety protocols and guidance provided by the club and local authorities
Crucial Champions League Encounter Amid Safety Concerns
The safety incident occurs as Chelsea prepare for a vital Champions League fixture that could determine their progression in the competition. Newly appointed head coach Liam Rosenior, who began his tenure with a victory against Pafos at Stamford Bridge, acknowledged the challenging nature of the upcoming match.
Rosenior commented: "This is a very, very strong team. We know it's going to be a very, very difficult game in a very, very special atmosphere. Napoli are a great team and they proved that with a fantastic title win last season. They have outstanding individual players and a world-class coach."
The Chelsea manager added: "I think it will make for an exciting game because Napoli have to win and for us to have a realistic chance of finishing in the top eight, we also have to win."
Historical Context of Safety Concerns in Naples
Chelsea's warning reflects broader concerns about fan safety during European away fixtures in certain locations. The club's pre-travel advice specifically highlighted the historical pattern of incidents involving visiting supporters in Naples, making this latest hospitalisation particularly concerning for both club officials and travelling fans.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the safety considerations that accompany major European football fixtures, even as both teams prepare for what promises to be a highly competitive and significant Champions League encounter with qualification implications for both sides.
