Entertainment

Briton caught up in ‘pandemonium’ in Naples as fans celebrate title ‘all night’

Nigel Page described a ‘cacophony of air horns and explosions’ after Napoli ended their 33-year wait for a Serie A title.
Nigel Page described a ‘cacophony of air horns and explosions’ after Napoli ended their 33-year wait for a Serie A title. Nigel Page described a ‘cacophony of air horns and explosions’ after Napoli ended their 33-year wait for a Serie A title.

A Briton caught up in Napoli fans’ Serie A title celebrations in Naples on Thursday evening said the atmosphere was “pandemonium”.

Videos circulated on social media showing hundreds of fans chanting, honking horns and letting off flares and fireworks after Napoli secured their first Serie A title in 33 years thanks to a 1-1 draw at Udinese.

The achievement sparked incredible scenes in Naples, with Nigel Page, 42, from London, telling the PA news agency: “You couldn’t move for several hundred metres. The party went on all night.

Nigel Page, from London, said the party went on all night
Nigel Page, from London, said the party went on all night Nigel Page said the party went on all night (Nigel Page/PA)

“I’m a huge fan of Italian football, so I couldn’t miss the opportunity to see this party that has been 30 years in the making.

“The atmosphere was pandemonium. (A) cacophony of air horns and explosions. Flares, fireworks and a sea of flags.”

Danielle Hoyle, 40, also got caught up in the celebrations while on holiday with her husband.

Ms Hoyle, a housing manager from Brighton, watched the party on the streets from her hotel balcony having been unable to get tickets to games.

She said: “There were thousands of people in the streets gathering round TVs and dancing in the streets. Decorations are covering the whole city.

“It’s like nothing we’ve ever seen, everyone is in such good spirits. The atmosphere is amazing.”

Police chief Claudio Palomba said Napoli fans celebrated in an orderly manner after their team’s triumph, although there were dozens of fireworks-related injuries.

“The organisational plan worked and the authorities maintained order,” he said.

The team’s next game, against Fiorentina at home on Sunday, will no doubt spark more scenes of celebration, while June 4 will see Napoli receive the Serie A trophy after their final game of the season.