Rioting Eintracht hooligans make Italian police flee through Naples


Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 7:26 PM• Wessel Antes • Last update: 19:30

The fans of Eintracht Frankfurt show their worst side on Wednesday in the Italian city of Naples. Prior to the duel between Napoli and Eintracht, the German hooligans clashed with the Italian police, who in some cases even fled the violence. The kick-off of the return in the eighth final of the Champions League will not be taken until 9 p.m., but in Italy people are mainly under the spell of the misconduct of the Germans.

Renowned German and Italian media both report that the Eintracht hooligans are the instigators of heavy brawls with the police, who were pelted with all kinds of objects. Several officers were attacked out of the blue with bottles, smoke bombs, metal poles and flares. A police car was also set on fire. The number of injured police is not yet known.

In any case, the action led to a counter-reaction from the Italian police, who are trying to fight the Germans mainly by means of tear gas. There is talk of hundreds of hooligans currently turning Naples into an unsafe place. During the first leg (0-2 win Napoli) in Germany, there were also disturbances. Eintracht’s notorious fans, who have been under strict supervision by UEFA since last year, have no access to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. This was previously banned by the Italian authorities.

UEFA did not agree with that decision and believes that Napoli should have allowed fans on Wednesday evening. The association is even working on an adjustment of the rules, so that duels in the future will not be played if visiting supporters refuse. There is currently a fear in the international media and on social media that things will get even further out of hand in Naples tonight. It is expected, among other things, that the hard core of Napoli will still interfere in the Italian streets.