Naples’ police have released an official statement on restrictions ahead of the clash with Arsenal this week.
Commune di Napoli have put restrictions in place on the sale of beverages and alcohol ahead of Napoli’s clash with Arsenal in the Champions League.
The statement reads that in anticipation of the ‘large influx’ of people for the game, mayor Gaetano Manfredi has ordered additional restrictions on the sale of beverages beyond those normally in effect for Napoli’s home games.
This measure was adopted at the request of the Police Headquarters. They want to ‘ensure the effective management of public order and safety’.
Alcohol banned
The ban will see the sale of beverages in bottles, cans, or containers made of glass, rigid plastic, Tetra Pak or any other material.
This ban – already in place inside the stadium and at commercial establishments on nearby streets – is being extended to specific areas of the city centre.
It will be effect from 12:00pm Wednesday until 2:00am on Thursday. Drinks can only be sold in lightweight plastic or paper cups. Alcohol and spirits are strictly prohibited.
The ban will also apply inside the stadium and surrounding areas. The ban will start three hours before kick-off and continuing until two hours after the match ends.
Italian over-planning again
It is not the first or last time that the Italian authorities will go overboard with their treatment of fans. That’s particularly the case for travelling supporters.
Earlier this year Sport Witness reported how Italian police in Florence had put the city in lockdown ahead of the arrival of Crystal Palace.
That ended up being over zealous as reports after it explained that there had been no disturbances whatsoever. In fact, Sport Witness covered reports explaining how Crystal Palace fans had left a very positive impression all round.
We’re sure that’ll be the case for Arsenal as well this week. That’s even if the police in Naples seem determined to treat them like criminals and limit fun entirely.
If anything, trouble is likelier to come from closer to home.
