Chelsea Breaks Silence on Two Fans Knifed in Shocking Pre-Match Attack Before Napoli Showdown
Chelsea have issued an official statement confirming that two supporters who were assaulted in Naples before Wednesday's Champions League match against Napoli are receiving medical care for "injuries that are not life-threatening."
The London club will face Italy's champions at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium at 9 p.m. local time in their concluding group stage encounter. Supporters from the English side had already traveled to the southern Italian city in preparation for the match. Following reports of the attack on two fans Tuesday night, Chelsea felt compelled to release a public statement.
"The club is informed of an incident that occurred on Tuesday evening in Naples," the concise statement declared. Two supporters are receiving hospital treatment after suffering injuries that are not life-threatening.
"The club wishes to remind all fans to use extreme care while in the city and heed the guidance provided before this match."
The Guardian referenced accounts from Chelsea supporters in Naples suggesting that a group of the club's organized supporters were carrying knives when confronted by fans of the English team.
Napoli have not yet responded to the incident.
Fan Safety Concerns Eclipse Important Champions League Match
Fan Safety Concerns Eclipse Important Champions League Match
Chelsea have previously faced Napoli in Italy on just one occasion. That encounter would mark André Villas-Boas's last European fixture as Chelsea's manager, with the 3–1 loss in the opening leg of the round-of-16 tie hastening his departure. When Napoli visited Stamford Bridge for the return leg, Roberto Di Matteo had taken charge to guide an improbable turnaround. Chelsea would subsequently claim the 2011–12 Champions League trophy that season.
Wednesday's encounter promised to be equally captivating. While Chelsea's progression to the knockout stage depends on securing a favorable outcome, Napoli are struggling to qualify for the next phase.
An extra element of fascination comes from the recognizable figures that will greet Chelsea at the Maradona. Former Blues striker Romelu Lukaku has recovered from injury in time for this reunion that will be led by previous Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. The Italian coach departed west London amid controversy in 2018 despite securing the Premier League title and FA Cup during his two campaigns in England.
"Chelsea are a team I'm very familiar with," Conte remarked ahead of the midweek fixture. "Having worked there, I know their approach, the resources and the aspirations they consistently maintain. The fact they're the current Club [World Cup] holders speaks volumes."