Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis ‘is given POLICE protection’ amid growing tensions with fans

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has reportedly been given police protection due to rising tensions between him and some of the club’s supporters.

According to ANSAthe measures were introduced after protests from Partenopei’s ultras, who remained silent during the 4-0 defeat to AC Milan earlier this month.

The ultras lit torches in the stadium as they expressed their disapproval of ticket prices and strict rules regarding banners and flags.

Napoli’s 1-0 defeat to AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final will certainly not have helped the mood around the club.

However, despite the disaffection with De Laurentiis, Napoli are at the top of Serie A and are 13 points clear of their nearest challenger Lazio with one game left to play. Napoli have not won the title since 1990.

Napoli ultras protested ticket prices and rules regarding banners and flags

Despite Napoli being at the top of Serie A, many supporters are dissatisfied with De Laurentiis

Napoli will be back in action on Saturday evening when they receive Verona.

They then welcome Milan to the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in the Champions League as they look to overturn their 1-0 deficit from the first leg after Ismael Bennacer’s goal.

The cheapest tickets for the game are €90 (£80), which has created excitement among Napoli fans.

De Laurentiis bought Napoli in 2004 when the club was bankrupt and relegated to the third tier of Italian football.