Liverpool fans warned to stay in hotels to eat & drink amid Napoli safety fears

Liverpool supporters travelling to next week's Champions League opener have been warned to stay in the hotels to eat and drink amid safety concerns.

The six-times Champions of Europe begin the defence of their crown at the Stadio San Paulo in Naples next Tuesday, 17 September, with their opening game of Group E against Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Those Liverpool supporters planning on travelling to the south of Italy for the match are being warned to exercise caution and to plan ahead to ensure their safety.

The sides met in the Champions League group stages last season and a Liverpool fan was hospitalised after being attacked the night before the match.

There were also reports of further violence outside the stadium before the match, which the Italians won 1-0 through Lorenzo Insigne's late goal.

Merseyside Police have confirmed they will be again offering shuttle buses for the travelling Liverpool fans, which will depart from Stazione Marittima at 3.30pm on the day of the game, although the club have pointed out this is at the discretion at the Italian authorities and may be subject to change so supporters should continue to check for updates.

The information released for travelling fans also advises those arriving in Napoli prior to matchday should remain in their hotels to eat and drink, should avoid wearing club colours and should be alert to the threat of theft and assault.

Liverpool have sold their full allocation of 2,558 tickets for the match but fewer fans that that are expected to travel, as was the case last season.