TENSIONS ran high in Naples last night after English fans clashed with heavy-handed Italian police before the Euro 2024 Qualifier match between the two nations.
Footage posted to social media shows cops in riot gear use batons and riot shields on supporters outside the Diego Maradona Stadium as the crowds flocked in to watch the game.
Fans could be seen raising their hands in an attempt to calm the situation and demonstrate that they were not being aggressive.
Some argued with officers, while others filmed the beatings on their phones.
One fan was injured after they were shoved by a riot shield and fell backwards.
Footage posted by BBC journalist David Cheeseman showed a group of people, including British police officers present at the scene, tending to the fan on the floor, while other tried to warn Italian officers of their condition.
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One man, who was visibly angry, was spotted escorting a young boy through the crowd, shielding him with his arm and seeming to shout at anyone who came near them.
Other youngsters are visible in the crowd as the hefty police presence surged into groups of fans.
Stewards in high-vis jackets watch on as the clashes unfold, before a couple move in to try and restore order.
It is currently unclear what sparked the brawl.
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Sports broadcaster Faye Carruthers reported on Twitter that England fans had told her that it had been “farcical” trying to get into the stadium.
Some were reportedly “crammed” into a bus for 90 minutes, which then went in the opposite direction from the stadium.
This is believed to have caused a number of the passengers to miss kick-off.
Crowds were still waiting to get into the stadium 50 minutes into the match.
Gareth Southgate’s men are seeking to start their Euros campaign strongly after the devastating loss to France in the World Cup quarter final last year.
On the pitch, Harry Kane has overtaken Wayne Rooney as England’s all-time goal-scorer, slotting a penalty to take his team to a 2-0 lead.
Italy clawed a goal back before the clash ended 2-1.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
