Napoli owner pushes cameraman ahead of Barcelona UCL clash

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis could face a hefty fine from UEFA after shoving a cameraman during an ongoing row with Italian media.

The incident occurred as Napoli striker Matteo Politano was giving a pitchside interview to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport on the eve of Napoli's Champions League last-16 second leg at Barcelona on Tuesday .

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The interview was being broadcast live when De Laurentiis rushed onto the pitch shouting: “Politano! Politano! With you [Sky]He has no right to speak.”

Politano was forced to leave, smiling bemusedly. De Laurentiis then turned towards the camera and shouted insults, before pushing the cameraman, who had to take a few steps back to avoid losing his balance.

Italian media report that De Laurentiis said he would only allow his players to be interviewed by Neapolitans or journalists who support Napoli.

“Sky Sport decides who will do the Sky Sport interviews,” said channel director Federico Ferri. in a message on X, formerly Twitter. “I remain speechless in the face of what happened to our journalist and our cameraman: I condemn it without further comment.

“One thing is certain: we will move forward as always, with professionalism, precision, credibility. And courtesy.”

De Laurentiis last month ended pre-match press conferences – except when required to do so in the Champions League – and also recently banned the team from speaking to DAZN, which broadcasts all matches of Serie A in Italy.

It has often caused a total media blackout from the club.

Napoli will play Barcelona on Tuesday in the second leg of the round of 16 match. They drew 1-1 in the first leg, which was Francesco Calzona's first game in charge after becoming Napoli's third manager of the season.