Scenes from Frankfurt clash with police ahead of UCL game

A police car was set on fire, car windows were bashed in, chairs, smoke bombs, and flares were being thrown at police officers. That was the scene in Naples ahead of the Napoli vs Eintracht Frankfurt Champions League match. The police responded by releasing tear gas.

“Fans” already causing problems in first leg

There had already been some incidents after the first leg between these two teams, when nine people were taken into custody. During a Champions League match in Marseille back in September, there were problems, too. Eintracht Frankfurt was charged with racist behavior, lighting fireworks, throwing objects, and causing damage. So away fans were banned from attending the second leg this time. Instead, they caused havoc on the streets. The local media said that Napoli fans also attacked Eintracht fans.

On Instagram, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini posted a video of the riots, writing, “These are not fans, they are criminals, criminals. I wonder if they would make the same mess in Germany... Maximum solidarity and support to law enforcement.”

The game inside the stadium went on without any issues and Napoli won 3-0, advancing to the quarterfinals on a 5-0 aggregate.

“There was no need for anyone to go out tonight in search of anything other than having a good time, celebrating the historic feat that we achieved here,” said Napoli head coach Luciano Spalletti. “These players achieved something truly exceptional tonight.”

“The most important thing to take away from all this is that the people who only want to cause trouble must stay away from soccer. They should stay at home. What truly mattered tonight, everything that was good about tonight, happened on the field and in the stands.”