In the run-up to the Champions League encounter between 1. FC Union Berlin and SSC Napoli, there were riots on Wednesday night. Eleven Köpenick supporters were temporarily arrested by the police. The Neapolitan police announced this on Wednesday.
Some of the supporters threw smoke bombs and firecrackers, and shop windows of downtown shops and vehicles were damaged. The fans tipped over garbage containers and blocked some streets, and were also said to be armed with clubs and metal and wooden poles. Security forces used tear gas to disperse them, and some police officers sustained minor injuries, according to the report. In view of the arrival of further supporters of the “Iron”, security precautions were tightened.
Union Berlin’s Champions League balancing act in the cauldron of Naples
1. FC Union Berlin is visiting SSC Napoli in the Champions League. Despite the crisis, the Köpenickers want to enjoy their fourth evening in the premier class. In terms of sport, it is important to prevent an early exit from the European first floor. By Jakob Lobachmore
Smoke bombs and damaged shops
The first videos are circulating on social networks that show Union fans, some of whom are masked, in white hoodies rioting through the streets. The police reported clashes between Union supporters, with around 300 Berlin fans being involved. In addition, supporters of Borussia Mönchengladbach, whose fan scene has close ties to Union, are also said to have taken part in the riots.
When asked by rbb|24, the club did not want to comment further on the specific incidents. The people of Köpenick assume that there were already 300 to 400 supporters in the city center on the evening before the game. In doing so, they contradicted a report from the SID that around 2,000 fans were already in the city center.
“The clashes with the emergency services were really sought after by the German fans,” Ansa quoted Naples police chief Maurizio Agricola as saying. The police are now increasing their presence at the game in the evening to prevent further incidents.
Broadcast: Fritz, November 8th, 2023, 11:31 a.m
