Liverpool have warned supporters of the dangers they could face in Naples.
The Reds travel for their first Champions League trip of the new campaign, following the horrific scenes in Paris for the final where fans were subjected to tear gas and baton charges by police, and crushing in a dangerous kettling operation.
Now, they travel to a city where their following has been subjected to violent attacks from Napoli fans, with many injured in three visits over the past decade. And the club has urged fans to follow some important safety advice, including:
- Do not wear club colours in the city of Naples
- Do not wander alone in the city
- Stay in designated hotel to eat and drink
- Travel to the stadium only on designated coaches with police escort
- Do not make your own way to the ground
Liverpool are conscious that this trip - with its history of violence from the Italian fans targeting any people with English accents - comes swiftly after the violent scenes at the Stade de France.
And they are keen to ensure supporters who do travel are given as much support as possible, which will include a dedicated hotline for fans in trouble, Liverpool stewards at the ground, and mental health support for anyone overwhelmed by any incidents.
The club issued safety information to all fans, and suggested those arriving in Naples prior to matchday should “remain in their respective hotel to drink and eat” and not venture out into the centre.
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Speaking about the need to follow safety advice, Liverpool FC managing director Andy Hughes urged fans to follow police and embassy advice to only travel to the stadium on official coaches.
“In the interests of personal safety we are advising fans not to make their own way to the stadium, this guidance has come both from the Italian police and the British embassy in Naples,” he said.
“We are asking supporters to go from the designated meeting point in the city from 4pm, from there the free official coaches will take fans under a police escort to and from the stadium.”
And Hughes also took the extreme measure of advising fans NOT to venture into the city before or after the game - or wear Liverpool tops - following a series of attacks in previous meetings between the two clubs.
“We do understand that fans will want to make an occasion out of a trip (abroad) but in this case we would urge supporters not to wander into the city on their own, or to be wearing club colours during their stay in Naples,” he added.
“We are very aware that this match will be the first time our fans will be travelling since the events in Paris, so we understand this trip may be a daunting prospect. I’m sure everyone is aware our supporters have faced a number of issues when travelling to Naples in the past, so we wanted to share some important safety advice, as we want to ensure all fans feel safe.
“If this trip does become overwhelming, they can refer to the mental health toolkit, which is available on the LFC Foundation website that was set up to provide ongoing support following the CL final. And also our stewards will be available at the stadium to provide any assistance, and you can also contact our dedicated safeguarding hotline.”
The dedicated safeguarding hotline number is: (+44) 7912 120888. The supporter liaison number for all urgent matters relating to the game only is: +441513181040.
