epa12129122 Supporters of Napoli cheer ahead of the Italian Serie A soccer match between SSC Napoli and Cagliari Calcio, in Naples, Italy, 23 May 2025. EPA-EFE/CIRO FUSCO
The number of Napoli fans arrested and expelled ahead of tonight’s Champions League game with PSV Eindhoven has risen to 230, despite there being no clashes between supporters.
The match is set to kick off at the PSV Stadion at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
There were 1,700 tickets sold to Napoli supporters for the away end of the arena, but many of them won’t be able to attend.
While overnight the reports were of 180 fans arrested and expelled, over the last few hours that figure has climbed to 230, according to Sky Sport Italia.
The clampdown caused controversy because there were no real clashes between fans in Eindhoven, so these were pre-emptive arrests and expulsions.
No Napoli fans involved in Eindhoven violence
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 23: Fans of Napoli display a tifo prior to the Serie A match between Napoli and Cagliari at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 23, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The situation remains calm in Eindhoven this afternoon too, which is only raising pressure on the local police for being rather heavy-handed.
Sky Sport Italia presenter and transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio confirms he too was stopped, searched and asked to present his credentials.
One of the fans who was arrested and expelled spoke to news agency ANSA and complained at their treatment.
EMPOLI, ITALY – APRIL 20: Fans of SSC Napoli during the Serie A TIM match between Empoli FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Carlo Castellani on April 20, 2024 in Empoli, Italy.(Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“We wanted to have a beer, and we were pushed away without having done anything, after spending money on tickets and travel that will not be reimbursed,” said the supporter.
“We arrived in the city by car and wanted to go get a beer when we were surrounded by police in a car park. They searched us and treated us like criminals.
“The local police also threatened us, saying that the Italian police should impose a daspo (banning order on attending sporting events) to us all once we returned. It’s just scandalous. And we won’t be able to see our beloved Napoli.”
The Dutch police have banned ‘conduct that could disturb public order,’ which includes such vague elements as ‘assembling with the intention of going towards the centre of Eindhoven’ and ‘covering their faces.’
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