NAPLES, December 22, 2025 – Approximately 500 Napoli ultras took to the streets of Naples yesterday, December 22nd, to protest a travel ban that prevents residents from following their team to various away matches. The demonstration, organized by representatives of the two curva sections of the Maradona stadium, highlighted growing discontent among the fan base regarding restrictions on their ability to support the club on the road.
Protest March Through City Center
The procession commenced from Piazza Berlinguer and proceeded along Via Toledo, a prominent street in the heart of the city. Leading the march was a large banner emblazoned with the slogan ‘Trasferte libere’ (Free Away Games), reflecting the core demand of the protest. The demonstration remained peaceful throughout, with participants chanting slogans and expressing their frustration with the current regulations.
Symbolic Gestures and Demands
Each demonstrator carried a flyer designed as a mock request for a change of residency, marked ‘approved’ and signed by ‘Curve A and B’. This symbolic gesture underscored the fans’ belief that the travel ban effectively forces them to consider changing their official residence in order to attend away games, a measure they deem unfair and discriminatory. The flyers served as a visual representation of the fans’ collective stance against the restrictions.
Background to the Travel Ban
The protest comes in response to ongoing measures implemented by authorities to curb violence and disorder associated with football matches. These bans often target specific groups of supporters or particular fixtures deemed high-risk. However, the ultras argue that such broad restrictions unfairly penalize the majority of law-abiding fans and infringe upon their right to support their team.
The fans’ primary demand is for the lifting of these travel bans, allowing them unrestricted access to away matches. They contend that dialogue and alternative security measures should be prioritized over blanket prohibitions that alienate loyal supporters.
Official Response and Future Actions
As of now, there has been no immediate official response from local authorities or football governing bodies regarding the protest. The ultras have indicated their determination to continue advocating for their cause, suggesting that further demonstrations or actions may be considered if their demands are not addressed. The incident highlights the persistent tension between fan groups and authorities over security protocols in Italian football.
The protest in Naples echoes similar sentiments expressed by fan groups across Italy, where travel restrictions for away supporters have been a contentious issue for many years. The ultras emphasize the importance of away support to the atmosphere and spirit of the game, arguing that their absence diminishes the overall experience.
The organizers of the protest hope that their collective voice will prompt a reconsideration of the current travel ban policies, leading to more equitable and fan-friendly regulations in the future. The event serves as a clear message from the Napoli ultras that they will not silently accept restrictions on their passion for their team.
