Football Fans Clash, Throw Chairs in Pre-Champions League Street Brawl

Violence erupted among football fans ahead of a highly anticipated Champions League match between Napoli and Sporting Lisbon. The clash occurred in the streets of Naples, just before the teams were set to compete at the Stadio Diego Maradona.
Violent Confrontation Before the Match
Supporters from both Napoli and Sporting Lisbon engaged in a chaotic brawl, throwing chairs and sticks. Witnesses captured the fracas on video, showing fans attacking each other outside a local bar. The aggressive scene lasted for several minutes, leaving bystanders searching for safety.
Details of the Disturbance
- Location: Streets of Naples
- Involved Teams: Napoli and Sporting Lisbon
- Event: Champions League match
Some fans were seen wearing crash helmets, suggesting a premeditated clash. As the fight unfolded, one group of supporters fled down the street while the opposing fans retreated in a different direction.
Sporting’s Pre-Match Struggles
In addition to the violent scenes, Sporting Lisbon faced significant travel challenges. Their flight from Lisbon was delayed for four hours due to traffic and issues with the aircraft. Consequently, they arrived in Naples at 11 PM the night before the match, disrupting their pre-match routine.
Impact on Team Preparations
- Flight Delay: 4 hours
- Arrival in Naples: 11 PM
- Cancelled Press Conference: Yes
This disruption impacted the players’ ability to rest before the big game. Napoli fans even took the opportunity to set off fireworks outside Sporting’s hotel, further complicating the Portuguese team’s preparations.
Looking Ahead to the Match
The match between Napoli and Sporting Lisbon marks a crucial encounter, with both teams hoping for victory. However, the events in the streets and the team’s travel woes may weigh heavily on Sporting as they prepare for this challenging fixture.