Chelsea Football Club has issued an urgent security statement urging its traveling supporters in Naples to exercise “extreme caution” after two fans were hospitalized on the eve of the club’s decisive Champions League fixture against Napoli.
The incident occurred in the southern Italian city on Tuesday evening. The club confirmed via its official social media channels that the two supporters are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
While local police have not yet released official details, initial reports circulating among fans and in parts of the media suggest the individuals were attacked by a group of Napoli ultras. One witness account given to the press alleged a pursuit involving approximately 25 individuals.
This warning comes after Chelsea’s own pre-travel guidance, which explicitly noted that “during Uefa competition matches, attacks on away fans have sometimes occurred in Naples”.
The club had strongly advised the estimated 2,500 traveling fans with match tickets to avoid wearing club colors or any identifying emblems while in the city and to remain in groups.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent episodes involving away supporters in Naples in recent years. Similar clashes marred Napoli’s Champions League matches against Sporting Lisbon in October and Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023.
These recurring incidents highlight persistent security challenges in the city during major European football nights.
In response to the latest violence, Chelsea reiterated its pre-match safety instructions and reminded fans to use the organized, policed shuttle bus service to and from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. The club’s statement concluded by urging all supporters to “take note of the advice shared ahead of this fixture”.
The match itself carries high stakes for both teams. Chelsea, currently in eighth position, requires a victory to secure automatic qualification for the competition’s round of 16 and avoid a playoff.
Manager Liam Rosenior acknowledged the difficult atmosphere, stating, “We know it’s going to be a very, very difficult game in a very, very special atmosphere”. Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions, also need a positive result to keep their own progression hopes alive.
The situation underscores the ongoing struggle by European football authorities and local police to ensure fan safety, as the focus now shifts to securing the matchday environment for thousands of Chelsea supporters amidst a heightened security alert.