2024-02-04 13:36:00
At least six people were injured on Saturday in riots near the Famalicão stadium before the match against Sporting de Portugal, current leader of the Portuguese League, which was postponed ‘sine die’ due to the lack of security personnel.
A police spokesperson confirmed to Efe that there were injuries in the altercations between two groups of fans who threw bottles and chairs at each other in the vicinity of the stadium, although, according to that source, “the police response was quick.”
In a statement, the Portuguese League repudiated the incidents and announced the postponement of the match “with the agreement of the clubs” to a date yet to be determined, since “there are no security conditions for it to be held today or tomorrow.”
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He explained that the events occurred when the fans were waiting for the opening of the doors of the venue, which was delayed because the police officers in charge of ensuring the security of the sporting event did not show up.
The League expressed itself “surprised” by the gesture of the police and demanded that the Government conduct an “urgent” investigation to determine responsibility for what happened.
PORTUGAL:
Fomalicao Sporting Club of Portugal suspended!!
Several clashes between fans and due to lack of police officers.
For those who do not know, Portugal has been going through a strike for a month in the police for salary equalization. pic.twitter.com/ymtx1efg1L— Ricardo Ramos Neira (@Neiraelvikingo)
February 3, 2024
Shortly after, the Ministry of Internal Administration announced the opening of an investigation into the security deployment at the scheduled match between Famalicão and Sporting.
The clash was initially postponed for an hour, but ended up being postponed ‘sine die’, because the police assigned to the event, in a “sign of protest”, according to the League, asked for “sick leave from work so as not to show up at the venue.”
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In recent weeks, Portuguese police officers have taken to the streets throughout the country to demand better jobs and salaries, with massive demonstrations in cities such as Lisbon and Porto.
Due to the suspension of that match, it was feared that the same thing would happen in Porto’s match against Rio Ave, although this match ended up taking place.
Note taken from the EFE Agency.
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