Napoli fans go on violent rampage through Highbury leaving one fan hospitalised after clashes ahead of Champions League match



Napoli fans went on a pre-match rampage at a restaurant and put one person in hospital after an 'unprovoked attack' near Arsenal's ground ahead of their Champions League clash.

Piebury Corner, a popular pre-match destination for Arsenal fans before games at the Emirates, was mobbed by dozens of Italian hooligans smashing windows, breaking chairs and swinging belts.

Arsenal supporter Tim Garwood, who works for Media 10, was hit over the head with a piece of cast-iron garden furniture and needed 12 stitches - not leaving hospital until 3.30am.



He said 100 Napoli supporters were walking by before a smaller group broke off, threw a stool through the window and attacked the customers in the restaurant, including children as young as 12.

Attack: Bleeding and bruised, Arsenal fan Tim Garwood is pictured moments before being taken to hospital after Napoli hooligans hit him over the head with a stool at a London pie and mash shop

No sign of flagging: Napoli fans hold up a skull and crossbones inside the Emirates Stadium

Windows and chairs were smashed at Piebury Corner in London by Napoli fans ahead of match against Arsenal The front window of Piebury Corner was broken in the attack on Tuesday night

Napoli fans inside the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal beat their team 2-0 in the Champions League clash

Employee Emily Gould said around 50 customers were inside the restaurant on Holloway Road, when more than 30 supporters stormed the premises ahead of kick-off.

She told the Mirror: 'I think they were Italian men with Napoli colours and scarves tied around their faces.

'Then then came in to the shop. I was terrified. They started swinging belts around. The customers were very frightened.'

The shop was forced to close and reported the incident on its Twitter account, saying: 'One customer is in A&E with a cut head, totally unprovoked attack on family's eating from 50/60 Napoli fans! Thanks for all messages.

'There is blood all over the floor,' the account added.

Shouting the odds: Napoli supporters were vocal

Scarf ace: One supporter shows his support

Odd sight: A steward takes a Millwall flag from a Napoli fan

Piebury Corner owner Paul Campbell said the attack was 'completely unprovoked'.

'There were three girls sat near me and these thugs just came in and grabbed the chairs from under the girls.

'It was completely unprovoked, I think they just picked us at random because they saw a busy restaurant and they wanted to fight someone - anyone.'





