Dutch police arrested more than 200 Napoli fans ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League showdown with PSV Eindhoven, labelling the tie a “high-risk” fixture.
According to police, large groups of Italian supporters were involved in “provocative behaviour” in Eindhoven’s city centre on Monday evening.
Officers detained 230 fans to prevent clashes with locals, questioning them overnight before issuing fines and banning them from both the match and the city centre.
#Napoli 180 i tifosi fermati in Olanda, dove stasera è in programma la partita di #ChampionsLeague con il Psv. Nessun processo, ma l’immediata espulsione per non aver rispettato il divieto di assembramento in vigore nel centro di Eindhoven. Di @aridigiorgio #GR1 pic.twitter.com/AkOjcEsHj5
— Rai Radio1 (@Radio1Rai) October 21, 2025
“All arrested supporters with a ticket are not allowed to attend tonight’s match,” police confirmed in a statement.
Authorities have implemented strict safety measures for the game, including preventative frisking and a heavy police presence in and around the Philips Stadion ahead of the 9 p.m. (1900 GMT) kick-off.
“Let’s work together to ensure that tonight’s game and everything surrounding it proceeds smoothly so everyone can enjoy the football match,” police added.
The off-field chaos comes as both clubs look to steady their Champions League campaigns. PSV, champions of the Netherlands, have taken just one point from their opening two games — a 3-1 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise and a 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen.
Napoli, meanwhile, are hoping to build momentum after a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City and a 2-1 home win over Sporting Lisbon.
All eyes will now be on whether the drama stays off the pitch when the two sides finally meet.
(with AFP inputs)
