Security fears for Arsenal supporters during match alongside hardline Napoli fans

ARSENAL’S fans have been told they will be protected by a massive security presence after fears they will be targeted by Napoli’s hardline ‘ultras’.

Security is ramped up after Napoli fans overtook the stadium when playing Marseille last month [GETTY]

Napoli’s previous Champions League clash with Marseille last month was blighted by hooliganism, despite 1,000 police officers being in the city and around the San Paolo stadium.

There were several arrests as rival fans clashed, and police seized many weapons, including knives, an axe and a machete. More than 700 Gunners fans will travel in the hope of seeing Arsene Wenger’s side qualify for the knockout stages.

Police chiefs are determined to see the game pass off peacefully, and are ramping up their security efforts.

As well as a beefed up police presence, private security officers will also be on duty. Authorities in the city have laid on a fleet of buses to transport all of the Arsenal supporters from the port area to the stadium to ensure they are not attacked.

Napoli have a suspended ban hanging over them and could be forced to play a fixture behind closed doors if there is more trouble tonight.