Leicester City’s first home European game with fans attending, after the Champions League quarter-final in 2017 was not a joy, both on and off the field. The Foxes allowed themselves to the 2-0 lead and ended up with only a draw against Napoli (2-2), while home and away fans went over the usual verbal abuse and ended up in a violent clash, with police involved and a number of fans arrested.Scontri prima della partita tra gli ultras del #Napoli e i tifosi del #Leicester #LeicesterNapoli #UEL #EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/c6HftOIB6G— Simone Guadagno (@SimoneGuadagnoo) September 16, 2021 It all started with Napoli ultras arriving in UK, since they were allowed by the UEFA (all away fans were allowed to attend European competitions), but due to Covid-19 restrictions, they wouldn’t be allowed to enter the country coming from Italy. Somehow, they managed to make the trip, probably from other countries and the first fights occurred in the street outside De Montfort University before kick-off.22:00 (3.10) NEWCASTLE (3.50) LEEDS (2.40)Then it all erupted inside the stadium, after the away crowd celebrated the final score. Leicester had a comfortable 2-0 lead via Perez and Barnes, before Victor Osimhen scored a brace and secured a draw. Missiles were launched between the two sets of fans and skirmishes broke out in the corner where the away end meets the north family stand. City supporters clambered over the netting dividers to confront their rivals from Napoli, while video footage shows away fans removing their belts to use as weapons. At one point, the stewards were owervelmed and police had to step in and divide the crowd. Multiple announcements had to be made over the speaker system telling City fans in the blocks either side of the away end to leave the ground and “respect your club”.Leicestershire Police’s Leicester City events Twitter account said that a dozen arrests had been made, describing the behavior of some fans as a “disgrace”.“All the excitement for Europe spoilt once again by the minority. CCTV will be viewed and those responsible will be held to account. Behavior by some was a disgrace. Well done and thank you to those who didn’t get involved. Twelve arrests so far and counting” said the police in a tweet.
