Violence erupted on the streets of Italy on Wednesday ahead of a UEFA Champions League match between Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Police in Naples had been on high alert as more than 600 fans from Frankfurt, Germany arrived, despite the city giving up its allotment of tickets to the round of 16 game in protest. According to The Associated Press, the numbers were boosted by the Atalanta ultras, who have a storied rivalry with Napoli.
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A police car catches fire during clashes with supporters of the Eitracht Frankfurt soccer team on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in Naples, Italy, where their team is about to play a second leg match of the La Liga round of 16 of Champions against the Naples. (AP Photo/Salvatore Laporta)
Supporters of the Eitracht Frankfurt soccer team vandalize shops and street furniture as they confront police on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in Naples, Italy, where their team is about to play a second leg match of the round of 16 of the Champions League against Napoli. (AP Photo/Salvatore Laporta)
The German club opposed the decision of the authorities in Naples to prohibit the purchase of tickets for fans residing in Frankfurt, after riots between fans during the first leg of the Champions League in Germany.
It all came to a head Wednesday when car windows were smashed and fans threw flares, chairs and other objects as innocent bystanders took refuge in bars and restaurants.
Supporters of the Eitracht Frankfurt soccer team set a police car on fire when they clashed with police on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in Naples, Italy, where their team is about to play a second leg match of the round of 16 of the Champions League against Napoli. (AP Photo/Salvatore Laporta)
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Police were in riot gear trying to quell the situation as several vehicles caught fire.
Supporters of the Eitracht Frankfurt soccer team are subdued and taken away on a bus after a confrontation with police on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in Naples, Italy, where their team is about to play a round of 16 second leg match. of the Champions League against Napoli. (AP Photo/Salvatore Laporta)
«I am monitoring what has happened in our streets. An unacceptable climate of guerrilla warfare,» Naples mayor Gaetano Manfredi tweeted. «My thanks to the police forces who acted to guarantee the safety of citizens. I appeal to the Neapolitans, be responsible.»
Italian media reported that at least 200 people were arrested.
Supporters of the Eitracht Frankfurt soccer team clash with police Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in Naples, southern Italy, where their team is about to play a Champions League round of 16 second leg match. against Napoli. (AP Photo/Salvatore Laporta)
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The match would continue and Napoli would win 3-0.
Associated Press contributed to this report.