Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has sent a classy message of support to the two fans who were admitted to hospital on Tuesday night in Naples. The Blues take on Italian side Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday night looking to seal their spot in the last 16.
Two fans were involved in an incident near the Santa Maria La Nova area of Naples the night before the match. Chelsea were forced to tell supporters in Italy to take "extreme caution" after the fans needed hospital treatment for non-life threatening injuries.
Speaking to TNT Sports before the clash, Rosenior said: “Sorry, can I just say I wish… it’s important for me to say we had a couple of fans who ended up in hospital, supporting us, I wish them a speedy recovery and wish them all the best.”
"The club is aware of an incident that took place on Tuesday evening in Naples," the 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.”
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"A group of seven of us who had just had pizza in a restaurant went to the Kitebeer pub and had two drinks," one fan told The Telegraph. "None of us were in Chelsea colours, nothing blue, or singing any songs.
“We decided to go to another pub where a few of our other friends were about a 10-minute walk away. Everything was good-natured, we weren’t being loud or talking about Chelsea.
“Unfortunately, we turned down a side street on the way to the pub and there was a group of about 30 ultras. They weren’t wearing Napoli shirts and about half of them had their faces covered. Straight away they started shouting ‘where are you from?’ and everyone knew it was dangerous.
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"The guys at the front started running and, unfortunately, they grabbed Marcus by his shoulder and started talking to him. He didn’t think anything was happening and then all of a sudden he’d been stabbed in the leg. It was with a screwdriver, rather than a knife, but it obviously caused him a lot of pain. Another one of our mates had his coat sliced. It was terrifying and you start to think the worst, that you’re all going to end up getting stabbed.”
Chelsea are one of the teams who are in contention to seal a top eight spot, avoiding a two-legged play-off. After beating Pafos FC at Stamford Bridge last week, Rosenior's men are looking to get one over on former boss Antonio Conte.
“This is a very, very strong team,” Rosenior said. “I think they have been unfortunate in the recent games that they played; the results haven't followed the performances that Antonio’s (Conte’s) team have produced.
“We know it’s going to be a very, very difficult game in a very, very special atmosphere. It doesn't change my plans at all because I've been planning for a very difficult game.
“In the Champions League, Serie A or the Premier League, you can’t expect anything. The competition is always so high. Napoli are a great team and they proved that with a fantastic title win last season.
“They have outstanding individual players and a world-class coach. They are still in a position where they can get through and we’re aware of that. I think it will make for an exciting game because Napoli have to win and for us to have a realistic chance of finishing in the top eight, we also have to win.”
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