A World Health Organization (WHO)
official has blasted the celebrations that took place on the
streets of Naples after Napoli beat Juventus on Wednesday in the
Italian Cup final.
Big crowds of fans went out to celebrate with little regard for
the respect of social distancing and other rules to prevent the
spread of COVID-19.
Dr Ranieri Guerra, the WHO's Assistant Director-General for
Strategic Initiatives, said the fans' behaviour was "reckless".
He also compared the celebrations to the Champions League match
in Milan between Atalanta and Valencia in February, which is
thought to have had a major role in spreading the virus in Italy
early in the pandemic.
"I wouldn't like that to happen again," said Dr Guerra. "Seeing
those images hurts".
League leader Matteo Salvini was critical too and singled out
Campania Governor Vincenzo De Luca, who took a tough stance on
implementing lockdown measures at the height of the coronavirus
emergency.
"I wonder where De Luca was," Salvini said.
"I'm happy for (Napoli coach Rino) Gattuso and for Napoli but
something did not work.
"He broke my balls about my selfies but yesterday there were
several thousands of fans (out)".
Naples Mayor Luigi de Magistris:played down the row.
"Yesterday the winner was the contagion of happiness," he said.
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