The match between Cagliari and Napoli, currently underway at the Unipol Domus Arena, was interrupted in the 27th minute of the first half due to clashes between fans. The chaos broke out when groups of opposing fans began throwing objects at each other, including firecrackers and smoke bombs, some of which ended up on the pitch, in Cagliari's penalty area.
The situation further escalated when smoke bombs launched from the Napoli supporters' section hit the Cagliari south curve, an area occupied by families as well as ultras. Offensive banners with images of sheep accompanied by the word "Bee" appeared among the Neapolitan provocateurs, an insult directed at Sardinian fans.
Even the most ardent Cagliari supporters, from the north curve, reacted by throwing smoke bombs towards the area defended by the rossoblù goalkeeper Simone Scuffet, increasing the tension on the pitch. During the clashes, a steward tried to intervene to calm down a Cagliari fan, who intended to respond to the throwing of firecrackers with a pole in his hand.
The mediation attempt, however, ended with the steward injured. The referee was forced to temporarily suspend the match, while the players, including Napoli captain Giovanni By Lorenzo, they tried to restore calm among their fans.
The match resumed after seven minutes, following the speaker's appeals and with the entry onto the pitch of riot police, who guarded the area reserved for visiting supporters.
Article published on 15 September 2024 - 19:14
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