Eintracht fans sentenced to prison after riots
Following the violent riots on the sidelines of the Champions League round of 16 in Naples in March, two German supporters of Eintracht Frankfurt have been sentenced to prison. Due to the damage caused during the riots and serious resistance to the police, an Italian judge handed down prison sentences of five years and two months each for both fans of the Bundesliga soccer club, as reported by the Ansa news agency on Wednesday. The sentences are not yet final.
There were violent riots between Eintracht ultras, Napoli supporters and police officers in the southern Italian city before the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 on March 15. Eintracht hooligans rioted and threw objects at opposing fans and the police. A police car was set on fire and several outdoor areas of bars and restaurants were vandalized. The Eintracht ultras had previously marched through Naples and chanted provocative chants against Napoli.
The lawyers for the two Germans announced their intention to appeal against the verdict. They had made it clear in court from the outset that their clients had been present during the riots in the central Piazza del Gesù, but had not taken part in the clashes, the state television station Rai quoted the legal team as saying.
According to Ansa, another Eintracht fan had already been sentenced to ten months' probation at the end of May.
- Despite being present during the chaotic events in Piazza del Gesù during the Champions League round of 16 with SSC Naples, Eintracht Frankfurt's supporters were not directly involved in the clashes, their legal team asserted.
- The SSC Naples versus Eintracht Frankfurt Champions League match was marred by crime, as Eintracht's champions leagueultras engaged in violent riots against Napoli supporters and the police, causing significant damage and disruption.
- The Champions League's prestigious tournament faced controversy in the Champions League round of 16 when a prominent UEFA competition, the Champions League, was disrupted by criminal acts committed by Eintracht Frankfurt fans in Naples.
Source: www.dpa.com
