Union Berlin supporters clashed with police in Naples on the eve of their side’s Champions League clash against Napoli.
The Bundesliga side take on the reigning Serie A champions in a vital Group C encounter at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. However, it has already been marred by violence in the build-up.
Fans from Germany clashed with police, while Napoli’s so-called ‘ultras’ also went looking for a scrap with the travelling away fans from Berlin. The result was a pyro-waving, firework firing brawl in the streets of the historic Italian city.
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It’s understood 11 Union Berlin supporters have been arrested in the build-up to the clash. Reports from ANSA understand around 300 Union Berlin supporters gathered at the Piazza Garibaldi train station and refused to submit to checks, before eventually descending on the streets.
Further reports also claim the fracas between the supporters and the police resulted in numerous cars being damaged, while police forces were attacked by cobblestones, clubs, metal and wooden rods and with firecrackers and pyrotechnics.
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Before the game, Union Berlin took to their social media channels to advise fans who were travelling to Italy. They wrote: “When 1. FC Union Berlin play in Naples in the second away match in their UEFA Champions League campaign on Wednesday, around 2,500 Union fans will be in attendance.
“As both the host club and the local authorities have emphasised the potential risks for travelling football fans, FC Union Berlin would like to ask you to observe the following information: Union fans are advised to wear red and white fan clothing in the stadium only during their stay in Naples. Outlying areas of the city of Naples are to be avoided.
“There will no away fans permitted to attend the Youth League fixture in the afternoon.”
Having lost their first three Champions League matches, Union need a miracle if they are to reach the Round of 16. Meanwhile, a win for Napoli will all but send them through, if Real Madrid also overcome Portuguese side Braga.
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