Eat and drink at your hotel, avoid the city center… and for your own safety, hop on a bus FIVE HOURS before kick-off: Liverpool’s discouraging message to fans for today’s trip to Naples – which led to Jurgen Klopp infuriated a reporter
- Liverpool have warned fans they could be targeted for theft, robbery or assault for their opening Champions League game in Naples on Wednesday
- The fans have been asked by the club not to travel to the stadium alone
- It’s the Reds’ first game in Europe since the chaotic Champions League final
Liverpool fans have been advised not to wear club colors or congregate in the city center as they “could be the target of theft, robbery or assault” during their trip to Naples.
The Reds’ away game in Napoli on Wednesday night is their first game in Europe since the Champions League final in Paris, which saw Liverpool fans outside tear-gassed as supporters with valid tickets struggled to get into the Stade de France.
Ahead of the trip to Italy, Liverpool FC Help, a Twitter account associated with the club, produced a series of tweets giving advice to all traveling fans, including to eat and drink at their hotels at all times.
It added: “Fans should not congregate in public areas and avoid becoming isolated in areas outside the city’s port area.
“We strongly recommend avoiding the city center. If you decide to visit, please be aware that you could become the target of theft, robbery or physical harm.’
Liverpool have issued a series of warnings to fans traveling to Napoli in the Champions League
Fans were warned not to congregate in the city center and to eat and drink at their hotels
Liverpool FC Help Twitter told fans they may be targeted for theft, robbery or assault.
It concluded: “According to the Italian authorities, you are advised to carry your valid photo ID with you at all times.
“We encourage supporters to take a photo of their passport and driver’s license in case they are lost or stolen. This will help in obtaining a replacement passport if needed.’
Security issues have been a major focus in Paris and British fans abroad have had trouble traveling to Europe in the past.
Still, locals were outraged at claims that crime was rampant across Naples, and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp snapped at a reporter when quizzed about safety.
Jurgen Klopp wasn’t happy when asked if Napoli is a safe place for fans
“That’s an embarrassing question from you,” shot back an angry Klopp. “They want to make headlines. I really don’t get it.
“Are you from Naples? Do you think it’s a dangerous city?
‘I do not know. I don’t live a normal life in Napoli. I’m protected here, go to the hotel and now you ask me what I think of Napoli.’
Klopp’s anger continued: “You know exactly what people are talking about.
“If some supporters meet some supporters, something can happen. This has nothing to do with the city, so I don’t know. But I’m not here to make headlines for you.’
Napoli are expected to garner huge support and Liverpool are worried about potential clashes
In a video released to fans on Monday, managing director Andy Hughes warned: “First and foremost, in the interests of personal safety, we advise fans not to venture to the stadium.
“These tips come from both the Italian police and the British Embassy in Naples.
“We are asking supporters to go to the designated meeting point in the city’s port area from 4pm. From there, the official coaches escort the fans to and from the stadium under police escort.
“I understand that the fans want to turn this trip into an opportunity. In this case, however, I would urge fans not to wander into town alone or wear the club’s colors during their stay in Naples.
