Arsenal fans face alcohol ban in Naples for Champions League clash

Arsenal supporters travelling to Naples for this week’s Champions League clash with Napoli will face strict restrictions on the sale of alcohol and other beverages across parts of the city.

Naples authorities have announced additional measures ahead of the game, with a large number of travelling supporters expected to arrive in the city.

Mayor Gaetano Manfredi has approved the restrictions following a request from the Police Headquarters, with officials citing public order and safety concerns surrounding the fixture.

The measures will significantly restrict how drinks can be sold in areas of Naples before and after the Champions League encounter.

From 12pm on Wednesday until 2am on Thursday, businesses in designated areas of the city centre will be prohibited from selling beverages in glass bottles, cans, rigid plastic containers, Tetra Pak packaging or similar materials.

Drinks will instead have to be served in lightweight plastic or paper cups.

More significantly for travelling Arsenal supporters, the sale of alcohol and spirits will be prohibited under the restrictions.

Additional measures will also apply around the stadium.

The stadium-area restrictions will begin three hours before kick-off and remain in place until two hours after the final whistle.

The Comune di Napoli says the measures have been introduced because authorities are anticipating a “large influx” of supporters for the match.

The intention is to make managing public order easier during one of Napoli’s biggest European fixtures of the season.

Italian authorities have previously introduced similarly extensive measures when English supporters have travelled for European matches.

Crystal Palace supporters faced significant restrictions in Florence earlier this year, although subsequent reports stated there were no major disturbances and praised the behaviour of the travelling fans.

Arsenal supporters will now encounter comparable precautions when they arrive in Naples.

For those travelling to the game, the key issue will be understanding exactly where and when the restrictions apply, particularly given that measures will be operating both in the city centre and around the stadium.

Arsenal supporters travelling to Naples should be prepared for the restrictions throughout matchday, particularly in the city centre and around the stadium. Authorities expect a large travelling contingent and have introduced the measures specifically to assist with public order and safety.