A dozen arrests have been made after Napoli and Leicester City fans clashed with police following their 2-2 draw at King Power Stadium on Thursday night.
Until recently, away fans had been banned from attending European fixtures with UEFA changing their rules ahead of the new season. Napoli fans who travelled to Leicester got to see an entertaining game with their side coming back from a two-goal deficit thanks to a second-half brace from record signing Victor Osimhen.
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At the final whistle, tensions between the two sets of supporters were high with Wilfred Ndidi being shown a harsh red card for a second bookable offence in stoppage time. Earlier in the game, Patson Daka had also been denied a maiden Foxes goal due to a marginal offside call.
At full time, unsavoury scenes erupted with the Napoli fans in attendance clashing with police who had formed a cordon to separate them from the home supporters.
As reported by Leicestershire Live, Napoli ultras attempted to breach the separation line with both sets of supporters throwing missiles – such as plastic bottles – at each other. During the fracas, fans were encouraged to “respect your club” and “move away from the segregation line” in a message voiced via the stadium’s PA system.
Eventually, order was restored but a heavy police presence remained in the city after the game.
At full time, the Leicestershire Police issued the following statement: “All the excitement for Europe spoilt once again by the minority. CCTV will be viewed and those responsible will be held to account.
“Behaviour by some was a disgrace. Well done and thank you to those who didn’t get involved. Twelve arrests so far and counting.”
Earlier in the day footage emerged of Napoli fans involved in scuffles outside De Montfort University.
It is not the first time the club’s support have attracted headlines. Prior to their Champions League clash with Liverpool in 2019, four Napoli fans were arrested outside Anfield on suspicion of violent disorder, while a further supporter was detained on suspicion of affray.
The return fixture in Naples is scheduled to take place on Thursday 9 December, though it remains to be seen how many Leicester fans will be permitted to travel.
