Hundreds of furious Napoli fans protest against ‘mercenary’ players and demand Ancelotti ‘go away’ after ‘mutiny’

THE ONGOING crisis at Napoli shows no sign of let up as fans protested outside the stadium against the chairman the manager and the players.

While the squad were taking part in a training session, open to season ticket holders only, other supports stood behind a huge banner with the word "respect" scrawled on.

According to MailOnline the fans were shouting: "You are, you are, you are mercenary. Can’t you hear this voice? You were already on your own."

They also shouted obscenities at homegrown star Lorenzo Insigne and manager Carlo Ancelotti and demanded they leave.

Napoli have slumped to seventh and Saturday's match at home to struggling Genoa has become a serious test.

The crisis erupted after owner Aurelio De Laurentiis ordered the team into a week-long training retreat, known as a "ritiro", on Monday.

FANS ANGER AT ALL QUARTERS

This is despite such camps are seen by players as demeaning and outdated.

Coach Ancelotti, whose future is now the subject of speculation, publicly disapproved.

And there were widespread reports that the players had ignored the decision following Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Salzburg in the Champions League.

The club responded with a strongly-worded statement which implied it would fine the players or even take legal action against them.

There were also reports of a dressing-room row between players and Di Laurentiis' son Edoardo, who is vice-president, and also an angry video call between Ancelotti and De Laurentiis senior.

De Laurentiis, 70, a prominent Italian film producer, has resurrected Napoli since buying them in 2004 after they had been declared bankrupt and relegated to Serie C.

However, he also has a tendency for making incendiary declarations, for falling out with his coaches - such as Ancelotti's predecessor Maurizio Sarri - and a reputation for interfering in team selection.