Thursday 28 November 2019 15:31, UK
Merseyside Police have held four Napoli fans over incidents before their Champions League clash with Liverpool at Anfield.
Four men from Napoli aged between 31 and 45 remain in custody at a police station on Merseyside where they are being questioned on suspicion of public order offences.
A 46-year-old man has been released with no further action after being arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace.
Match Commander, Superintendent David Charnock said: " We are continuing with our investigations after a number of arrests were made last night with four people still in custody and we would appeal to any witnesses to come forward and talk to us.
"Unfortunately a small minority of fans are intent on carrying out violence or disorder at football matches and this type of behaviour is unacceptable and will simply not be tolerated.
"As always, we will do all we can to ensure our policing of any football match puts the safety of supporters first, it is at the heart of everything we do. We will always make sure we do everything we can to keep home and away fans safe."
The arrests were made around Anfield in the lead up to Wednesday night's game after earlier reports of Napoli fans carrying golf clubs in the city centre were also investigated.
Supporters of the Serie A club had been urged to behave by their club ahead of the game, where both sides were seeking to secure a place in the knockout stages, but neither managed it after a 1-1 draw.
Liverpool supporters were attacked in Naples before the first fixture between the clubs, with two men injured in the run-up to Napoli's 2-0 victory.
Social media was rife with reports of visiting supporters carrying golf clubs on the streets of central Liverpool on Wednesday afternoon.
But an earlier statement from Merseyside Police read: "There is a large police presence in the city centre and at the ground for tonight's Champions League game.
"If anybody sees any weapons, or violence, please speak to the officers who are on duty. Our aim is to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy a good game of football in safety.
"Merseyside Police is aware of social media posts saying Napoli fans are armed with golf clubs in the city centre.
"Officers have responded and confiscated a number of flags attached to flag poles. No golf clubs have been found."
Merseyside Police also placed a Section 60 stop and search order for the Anfield and Everton areas after other police forces raised concerns about previous behaviour of Napoli fans.
