Liverpool fans warn of ‘robbery and assault’ in Napoli as Klopp loses to reporter | World News

Liverpool have warned fans they could be “targeted for theft, robbery or assault” in Napoli ahead of the club’s first Champions League game of the season.

With the Reds’ opening game against Napoli set to take place on Wednesday night, the club have issued a series of recommendations, including advising fans not to wear the team’s colors while traveling.

It was the Merseyside side’s first game in the league since chaotic scenes unfolded outside the Stade de France in May, where they lost to Real Madrid in last season’s final.

Fans were pepper sprayed and going through a bottleneck near the stadium.

With that experience still fresh in the minds of supporters, Liverpool chief executive Andy Hughes said he understood “the trip could be a difficult prospect”.

The Liverpool FC Help Twitter account posted a series of recommendations, one of which urged fans to “stay in their respective hotels to drink and eat”.

It added: “Fans should not congregate in public areas and should avoid becoming isolated in areas far from the city’s port areas.

“We strongly recommend avoiding the city center. If you choose to visit, beware that you may be targeted for theft, robbery or assault.”

Mr Hughes said fans had “faced a number of problems with going to Napoli in the past”.

He advised supporters not to go to the stadium on their own “in the interest of personal safety” and instead go to official coaches.

Mr Hughes said: “Look, I understand that some fans will want to give this trip a chance.

“In this case, however, I encourage supporters not to wander into the city or wear club colors during their time in Naples.”

Coach Jurgen Klopp, during his pre-match press conference, snapped at a reporter who asked him if he believed the city was dangerous.

“That’s a shameful question from you,” said Klopp, visibly angry. “You want to make headlines. I really don’t get it.

“You’re from Naples? Do you think it’s a dangerous city? I don’t know. I don’t live a normal life in Naples. I’m protected here, go to the hotel and now you ask me What do you think about Naples?”

Klopp added: “You know exactly what people are talking about. If some supporters meet some supporters, something can happen.

“It has nothing to do with the city, so I don’t know. But I’m not here to make headlines for you.”