Axel Hellmann has strongly criticized the exclusion of Eintracht Frankfurt fans from the round of 16 second leg of the Champions League at SSC Napoli in his dual role as spokesman of the Hessian Bundesliga club and managing director of the German Football League.
“It is a serious and unacceptable intervention by the Italian security authorities in the organization and culture of the European club competitions,” said Hellmann when asked by the dpa.
Eintracht was informed by the European Football Union on Monday evening that the Italian Ministry of the Interior would issue an injunction against the Serie A leaders, according to which they would not be allowed to sell tickets for the game on March 15 to Frankfurt supporters.
“Oath of Disclosure of the Italian State”
This was justified with security concerns. According to the Hessians, this ban should also include the official guest contingent of a total of 2,700 tickets, 2,400 of which are in the guest sector, to which the club is entitled under UEFA regulations.
“It is like an oath of disclosure by the Italian state that it does not see itself in a position to safely play a Champions League game with 2,500 guest fans that has been fixed for several months. Unless other interests have played a role here,” said Hellmann. At the same time, the 51-year-old appealed to the continental federation: “UEFA is called upon to ensure that this approach does not set a precedent and endangers the integrity of the competitions.”
