Tensions In Italy As Liverpool Fans Stabbed

Two Liverpool fans have been stabbed in Naples, Italy ahead of tonight's match against Napoli. A police spokesman confirmed that two men, aged 27 and 52, were taken to hospital with injuries on Wednesday night. Their conditions are not thought to be life-threatening. Three Napoli citizens have been arrested. Policing is thought to have been tightened up ahead of tonight's game to keep supporters from each club separate. A spokeswoman for the British Foreign Office said, "We can confirm the hospitalisation of two British nationals in Naples, Italy on 20 October. We are providing consular assistance." Merseyside Police say they have had reports of six attacks on Liverpool supporters in the city over the last 24 hours. The Guardian reports, "A separate incident where a gang of youths armed with knifes approached English supporters in the city has also been reported. The ANSA and Apcom news agencies say that the overnight clashes in downtown Naples involved thrown rocks and led to three arrests, and also injuries to four or five Italian fans, including a restaurant owner." Napoli vs Liverpool in the Europa League is due to get underway at 6pm this evening at the San Paolo stadium.