Restaurant attacked by football fans closed

A London restaurant attacked by a mob of rival football fans remains closed as police continue their investigation into how a fan was hospitalised and others sent fleeing to safety.

Arsenal supporters were forced to duck for cover as a gang of masked Napoli fans stormed Piebury Corner in north London ahead of the Champions League clash at the Gunners’ Emirates stadium last night, which the home side won 2-0.

A 48-year-old man was taken to hospital with lacerations to his head, after witnesses reported up to 50 Italian men shouting, swinging belts and throwing tables and chairs through the eatery.

Piebury Corner manager Paul Campbell said the clear-up would continue today after police seized CCTV footage of the stampede, shortly after 7pm yesterday.

Mr Campbell, originally from Ayrshire in Scotland, said: “I’ve looked back at the footage and it is very clear – it was a completely unprovoked attack.

“I was at the restaurant last night and saw it happen, and I was shocked by it.

“But, having looked back at the footage, it looks even worse.

“The Arsenal fans were backing away from the trouble, they were trying to get out of the way.”

Metropolitan Police said a group of Napoli supporters – estimated to be around 30 in number, rather than the 50 reported by witnesses – became involved in a “verbal exchange” with Arsenal fans as they passed the restaurant on their way to the ground.

They said the Napoli fans then turned violent, smashing a window and throwing a number of chairs before moving on.

But Mr Campbell, who said several Napoli supporters had visited Piebury Corner without incident during the course of the day, said there was no sign of Arsenal fans looking for trouble.

He said: “They (Arsenal supporters) did not retaliate at all.

“There was no verbal exchange – they were just attacked.”

The restaurant was expected to reopen tomorrow.

Police said a man had been arrested in the area for a public order offence, unconnected to the damage at Piebury Corner.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.