Arsenal fans vow “never again” after Naples Champions League trip

Rome— Arsenal supporters have criticised the security arrangements surrounding their Champions League away match against Napoli, with many describing the experience as so unpleasant they would avoid travelling to Italy for future fixtures.

Although the Gunners returned home with a 1–0 victory from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, many fans said the result was overshadowed by what they called excessive and uncomfortable transport procedures imposed before and after the match.

Supporters complained of spending around 90 minutes packed onto buses without air conditioning in temperatures of approximately 33°C. Several posts shared on social media and reported by Italian media compared the treatment to that of “prisoners”, while another supporter wrote that “if it had been livestock, they would have been fined”.

Under security measures organised by the local authorities, visiting fans were required to gather at 4 p.m. before boarding official shuttle buses departing at 6.30 p.m. for a match that kicked off at 9 p.m. Fans also alleged they were prevented from wearing visible Arsenal shirts outside the designated transport system.

After the final whistle, supporters remained inside the stadium until around 1.30 a.m. before being escorted back by shuttle buses, with many claiming they again waited more than an hour in the heat before departing.

One Arsenal fan contrasted the experience with away matches in England, saying that visiting Italian supporters are generally subject to far less restrictive procedures in British stadiums. “I’ve been to San Siro twice and now Naples. The atmosphere is incredible, but I won’t be travelling to Italy again until away fans are treated with more respect,” the supporter wrote.

Not all reactions were negative. Many visiting fans praised Naples for its vibrant atmosphere, hospitality and the passion of the home crowd. However, the widespread criticism has reignited debate over Italy’s stringent security protocols for travelling football supporters, which are regularly introduced for high risk European fixtures.

PS