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Napoli fans protest against "mercenary" players and tell Ancelotti to "go away"

Napoli players have been the subject of protest from the club's ultras following their decision t...



Napoli fans protest against
Soccer

Napoli fans protest against "mercenary" players and tell Ancelotti to "go away"

Napoli players have been the subject of protest from the club's ultras following their decision to mutiny in the wake of Tuesday's Champions League draw with Salzburg. 

The squad were due to enter a training camp ahead of Saturday's Serie A game with Genoa but instead returned to their homes, while Carlo Ancelotti didn't engage in his media duties.

The players have trained today at the club's San Paolo stadium, but not without incident.

Gazzetta dello Sport report that a group of around 100 supporters gathered in front of the stadium's dressing room entrance, lobbing cries of "mercenaries" at the players. They also unfurled a large banner reading "Respect".

Others set off fireworks, and there were chants of "go to work".

Not only are the supporters protesting this week's 'mutiny', but also the poor run of results the Azzurri. Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Salzburg came off the back of a 2-1 defeat away to Roma and back-to-back draws with SPAL and Atalanta.

Inside the San Paolo, the players held an open training session for season-ticket holders.

The invited fans booed the players upon their arrival out of the tunnel, while manager Carlo Ancelotti was told to "go away".

Ancelotti's position is said to be far from safe, having been engaged in heated and lengthy phone conversations with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis this week.

De Laurentiis is believe to be keen on fining the players, but according to rules players can only be fined 5% of their gross pay.

Should he wish to garnish their pay any further, he'd need to get permission from Serie A officials.

Napoli sit 7th in the Serie A table ahead of the visit of Genoa, and still hold progress to the last-16 of the Champions League within their own hands.

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Aurelio De Laurentiis Carlo Ancelotti Genoa Mutiny Napoli Salzburg Serie A UEFA Champions League Ultras