NAPOLI have banned BELTS from their Champions League clash against Manchester City on Wednesday night.
Pep Guardiola and his players will be allowed the accessories but supporters, staff and even journalists risk being caught with their trousers down.
The unusual move comes after belt-wielding hooligans assaulted City fans before the sides last met on October 17.
One yob was jailed for five months over the shocking “cowardly attack” at the Mary D’s pub close to the Etihad.
He was part of a group of eight who went on a rampage swinging belts above their heads, with one seen with a weight on the end of a rope and another carrying a cosh.
The latter caused a serious head injury after hitting a 17-year-old kid who was at the match – which City won 2-1 – with his dad.
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But despite hooliganism fears, the move to ban belts altogether has met criticism.
General secretary of the Manchester City Supporters Club Kevin Parker spoke out.
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He said: “It’s absolutely crazy. I know they have had issues with Napoli fans using belts as weapons but since when has that been a thing in England?
“Why, all of a sudden, should City fans be banned?
“It seems like something always happens with City in this competition.
“First we’re banned from booing, then we were banned from a stadium and now we have been banned from wearing belts.”
Seeing the funny side, he added: “You would imagine, if anything, it will encourage City fans to drink more and eat more – and there will probably be a lot less standing than normal for fear of pairs of pants falling down.
“And at least they should get through security at Manchester Airport quickly.”
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