Italy wants to deprive Eintracht Frankfurt of its supporters
Eintracht Frankfurt supporters will not be allowed to attend the Champions League round of 16 second leg in Naples on Wednesday (March 15), the German club announced on Tuesday. The Italian Interior Ministry plans to halt ticket sales for visitors. Just under 3,000 German supporters were expected at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium for this meeting after the success of Naples in the first leg (0-2). “Eintracht Frankfurt were informed late yesterday evening by UEFA that the Italian Ministry of the Interior would today publish a regulation prohibiting the club (Naples) from selling tickets to Eintracht Frankfurt supporters for the return match “communicated the German club. This will include the entire contingent of 2,700, including 2,400 in the visitor yard, for which Eintracht was eligible. »
A few incidents between Ultras marred the first leg, but the decision angered Eintracht president Axel Hellmann: ” This is a serious and unacceptable interference by the Italian security authorities in the organization and culture of European club competitionshe told Reuters. It’s like an admission by the Italian state which does not see itself in a position to safely supervise a Champions League match with 2,500 supporters. Unless other interests played a role. UEFA is urged to ensure that this approach does not create a precedent and does not endanger the integrity of its competitions. » Frankfurt had won the Europa League last year, with massive support, both at home and away.
