Chelsea release statement as two fans hospitalised in Naples after warnings | Football | Sport

Chelsea have warned supporters to exercise vigilance after two Blues fans were admitted to hospital in Naples. The concerning incident occurred on the evening before the west London club’s vital Champions League match away against Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Prior to the match, Chelsea had issued alerts to fans regarding possible attacks on visiting supporters in the southern Italian city.

There has been no official confirmation yet regarding the precise circumstances of what happened to the hospitalised supporters. But the club advised fans to remain aware of their environment ahead of the match and to demonstrate “extreme caution.” On social media, the club posted: “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.”

The club offered no specifics about the events that led to the fans needing medical care. But they had cautioned about the possibility of assaults on supporters in the days before the match. Supporters were also advised against wearing any clothing that would identify them as Chelsea fans whilst in the city before the match.

There has also been no statement yet from local police forces concerning the incident. In October, violent scenes erupted in Naples before Napoli’s home encounter with Sporting Lisbon. Fans from both clubs clashed in the streets with numerous projectiles including chairs, glass bottles and chains hurled between the warring groups.

Italian media reported that six Napoli supporters were arrested, whilst a Sporting fan required hospital treatment for non-serious injuries. Similar disorder occurred in 2023 when Napoli welcomed Eintracht Frankfurt.

Confrontations broke out between rival supporters after Frankfurt followers were witnessed battling police and torching vehicles. The mayhem prompted Napoli fans to retaliate, with coaches transporting Frankfurt supporters reportedly attacked by alleged Napoli ultras on the streets.

The fixture between Napoli and Chelsea carries enormous significance for both clubs. Liam Rosenior’s team require victory, and potentially several goals, to secure their place in the top eight.

Meanwhile, Napoli must claim all three points to guarantee progression to the play-off round. The encounter will also mark Antonio Conte’s first Champions League reunion with Chelsea.

He secured Serie A glory with the Neapolitans last season, but has been battling to build momentum in the Champions League, claiming two victories, drawing two and suffering three defeats from their seven European fixtures.