An Ajax supporter was stabbed in Naples prior to the Champions League Group A game on Wednesday evening.
On Monday night, the incident took place outside a hotel in the city where the fan was said to be staying. Approximately 2200 fans travelled to support Ajax in the clash against Napoli.
🚨 #NapoliAjax
Sono da registrare scontri nella giornata di ieri. @telegraaf riferisce di un tifoso dell'#Ajax accoltellato. Curato in ospedale, fortunatamente non riporta ferite gravi.
Su alcune pagine social gira la foto che dovrebbe riguardare tale scontro.@Spazio_Napoli pic.twitter.com/BX8LoUdSur
— Salvatore Amoroso (@salv_amoroso) October 11, 2022
The video and content is in Dutch but you get a sense of the situation in Naples city centre with Ajax fans not wearing colours and keeping on their toes, following on from the stabbing incident on Monday night.https://t.co/nZiUp8gjYJ
— Graeme Hanna (@graeme818) October 12, 2022
Wary
The incident is hardly a surprise unfortunately but again raises the issue of Rangers fans being set to travel to Campania in two weeks for Matchday 5 in this Champions League campaign. This is despite a UEFA enforced ban on travelling supporters for the match in the name of ‘sporting integrity’ after Azzurri fans were prohibited from Ibrox following pressures on police and security in the aftermath of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Fan group Broomloan Collective recently made an updated communication on their campaigning on the matter, in conjunction with Football Supporters Europe, as can be seen below.
Napoli Away Update pic.twitter.com/xykjCtik4V
— Broomloan Collective (@BCollective2021) October 2, 2022
An aspect of concern is that right up until the last minute, if no arrangements are made for fans who decide to travel regardless, they will be left in a vulnerable position in Naples.
Some fans will travel whatever the situation and whilst there is an element of personal responsibility, there is also a duty of care on the local authorities who will not want the situation to be any more difficult than it needs to be. UEFA needs to be cognisant of this as well.
A further update is expected from FSE regarding the final arrangements and guidance for the game in Italy.