Chelsea Football Club has issued an urgent warning to its travelling supporters, urging them to take "extreme caution" while in Naples, Italy. This alert comes after two Chelsea fans were hospitalised following an incident in the city on Tuesday evening, just ahead of a crucial Champions League fixture.
Incident Details and Club Response
The club confirmed the situation through an official statement on their social media platform, X. According to the post, the two supporters sustained injuries that are described as non-life-threatening, and they are currently receiving medical treatment in a local hospital. Chelsea emphasised that the safety of their fans is a top priority, prompting this public advisory.
Travel Advice and Historical Context
In travel guidance distributed to fans earlier this month, Chelsea highlighted specific risks associated with visiting Naples for UEFA competition matches. The advice explicitly noted that "attacks on away fans have sometimes occurred in Naples," underscoring the need for heightened vigilance. To mitigate risks, a dedicated shuttle bus service has been organised for the approximately 2,500 Chelsea supporters making the trip.
Match Context and Stakes
The incident occurred on the eve of a significant Champions League encounter between Napoli and Chelsea at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. This match marks the final round of the group phase, with Chelsea aiming to secure a top-eight finish. Achieving this would guarantee them a place in the competition's last 16, allowing them to bypass the upcoming play-off round next month. Currently, Napoli occupies the 25th position in the standings, placing them outside the qualification spots.
Chelsea's reminder to fans stresses the importance of adhering to all pre-shared safety advice while in the city. The club continues to monitor the situation closely as they prepare for the high-stakes match under these concerning circumstances.
