Liverpool have told fans heading to their Champions League opener in Napoli to stay in their hotels and away from the city center as they may be subject to “robbery, robbery or assault”.
The Reds are playing their first game in the competition since losing the May final to Real Madrid at the Stade de France, where there were chaotic scenes off the pitch.
The draconian measures of the French police in an attempt to deal with a crowd outside the stadium were exacerbated by the authorities’ attempts to control the crowd in the streets leading to the stadium. Many fans were attacked with pepper spray and tear gas and then attacked in the streets by local gangs after the game.
Liverpool managing director Andy Hughes said he understands this “can be a daunting prospect” given it is the first since the events in Paris, with the club providing guidance ahead of Wednesday’s opening game in Naples.
“Fans arriving in Naples before match day are required to stay in their respective hotels to drink and eat,” posted the Liverpool FC Help Twitter account. “It is strongly recommended that you do not wear team colors when traveling.
“Fans should not congregate in public areas and should avoid isolating themselves in areas far from the city’s port area.
“We strongly advise you to avoid the city center. If you choose to visit, please be aware that you may be subject to robbery, robbery or assault.”
Hughes underlined how his “fans have faced a number of problems traveling to Naples in the past”, saying fans are advised not to head to the stadium “in the interest of personal safety” and to approach fans. official trainers.
“Look, I understand that some fans will want to make this trip an occasion,” he added.
“However, in this case, I urge supporters not to wander the city alone or to wear the club’s colors during their stay in Naples.”
A local reporter relayed Liverpool’s warning to fans in Napoli to Jurgen Klopp at the pre-match press conference, asking if he thought the city was dangerous.
“That’s an embarrassing question from you,” a visibly angry Klopp said. “You want to create headlines. I really don’t get it.
“Are you from Naples? Do you think it is a dangerous city? I don’t know. I don’t live a normal life in Napoli. I am protected here, go to the hotel and now you ask me what I think about Napoli.
“You know exactly what people are talking about. If some supporters meet other supporters, something can happen.
“Nothing to do with the city, so I don’t know. But I’m not here to create headlines for you.”
