Chelsea have urged travelling fans to exercise "extreme caution" in Naples ahead of Wednesday's crucial Champions League clash against Napoli after two supporters were hospitalized following an incident in the Italian city.
The club confirmed that two fans are receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, though the exact nature of how those injuries were sustained has not been officially disclosed. Reports on social media have claimed the supporters were stabbed, but Chelsea have not confirmed these details.
"The club is aware of an incident that took place in Naples," a Chelsea statement read. "Two fans are being treated in hospital, having sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The club would like to remind all supporters to exercise extreme caution whilst in the city and take note of the advice shared ahead of this fixture."
Naples has a troubled history when it comes to the safety of visiting supporters, with attacks on away fans having occurred during previous UEFA competition matches. Napoli's ultras have been involved in several violent incidents over the years, making this fixture a particularly high-risk encounter.
Approximately 2,500 Chelsea supporters have tickets for Wednesday's match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The club has advised fans to meet at designated safe areas and travel to the ground via shuttle buses under police escort rather than making their own way to the stadium.
In travel guidance issued earlier this month, Chelsea warned supporters: "During UEFA competition matches, attacks on away fans have sometimes occurred in Naples." Fans have been specifically told not to walk around the city and to avoid wearing club colours or any emblems that could identify them as Chelsea supporters.
The stakes are high for both teams on Wednesday night. Liam Rosenior's Chelsea need a victory to secure direct qualification to the last-16 stage of the Champions League, while Napoli are fighting to stay in the competition.
UEFA and local authorities will be monitoring the situation closely as both clubs work to ensure fan safety for the remainder of the fixture.