The English Football Association strongly condemned the actions of an England fan and revoked their ticket after they were pictured with a flag which included a sickening message to the late Diego Maradona.
England defeated Italy 2-1 in Naples on Thursday night in a match that was a repeat of the European Championship final from 2021. But off the field, there were some concerns about troubles in the city, with a heavy police force present both inside and outside the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
The English FA confirmed prior to the match that they had rescinded a match ticket from a fan after images went viral on social media. The unnamed supporter, who is believed to be a part of the official England supporters club, was snapped with an England flag which carried the message “Diego’s in a box” - a reference to the Argentinian and Napoli legend who passed away in November 2020.
READ MORE: Harry Kane sends message to Wayne Rooney after sealing England scoring record
It is understood that Italian organisers had already let the individual know he would be identified at the stadium, thanks to the electronic scanning process in operation. The FA then issued a brief statement. “We strongly condemn the actions of the individual who travelled to Naples with a flag that had a highly offensive message on it.
“We immediately took steps to have their tickets cancelled before the match. The matter will be reviewed further when we return to England."
England boss Gareth Southgate said he had no concerns about coming to Naples for the game, hoping the match would pass without any supporter troubles. “I think everybody is looking forward to the experience of coming to Naples,” he said.
“Personally, I am exciting about playing in a city that loves football, with a great history. To come here when I can just about remember Maradona when they won the league, and Careca, so I’m excited about that from the football side.
“Always we ask our fans to be good tourists and respect the local culture. We hope the game and the next couple of days passes with no problems.”
Italy boss Roberto Mancini also looked to ease any concerns over hosting the game in the city of Serie A leaders, suggesting that previous issues had not been caused by locals. "I don’t work for the police force to be honest," he said.
"But it’s always been the away fans that have come here and cause problems typically. We saw that in the Champions League. If people come here and behave correctly I don’t think there will be too many issues on that score." Mancini added: "We hope nothing comes to pass because football should be a celebration for everyone.”
Southgate made just two changes from the team beaten in the World Cup quarter-final as their Euro 2024 qualification campaign began Manchester City pair Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish came into the starting XI, with the other nine names having all lined up against France in Al Khor.
Harry Kane once again captained the side while Harry Maguire was retained in defence despite being limited to a bit-part campaign at Manchester United. Azzurri boss Mancini handed a debut to Argentina-born striker Mateo Retegui.
Marco Verratti captained the hosts, who were wearing one-off shirts as they played for the first time since the death of former striker and coach Gianluca Vialli, with Arsenal’s Jorginho the sole Premier League representative in their starting XI.
Mancini hailed Vialli, who died at the age of 58 in January, in his pre-match press conference. “It is very emotional obviously,” he said. “It is the first time we have played a game since Luca’s passing.
“We were very fortunate to have him, me as a team-mate and to work alongside him, you were lucky enough to have him in London and he had almost become an honorary Londoner, so you saw what he was all about. It is with a great sadness but people like him will always be close to us, he is immortal and will stay close to us.”
Harry Kane became England’s all-time record goalscorer as Southgate’s side put their World Cup frustration behind them and kicked off European qualification with a win at reigning champions Italy.
It is 103 days since the 29-year-old drew level with Wayne Rooney’s record by scoring a penalty against France, but that night is best remembered for him missing his second spot-kick in a quarter-final exit.
Kane bounced back from that disappointment in historic fashion in Naples, where he lay the ghost of Al Khor to rest by striking from the spot to become England’s leading goalscorer in a 2-1 win against Italy.
The skipper’s 54th goal came after Declan Rice opened the scoring during a superb first-half display that Jack Grealish should have added to in stoppage time.
Italy were a pale imitation of the side that beat England in the Euro 2020 final, but returned from the second half rejuvenated and quickly pulled one back through debutant Mateo Retegui.
Roberto Mancini’s vastly-improved Azzurri pinned the visitors back and Luke Shaw’s sending-off for two bookings in quick succession made for a nervy final 10 minutes at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
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