Estoril and Porto drew 1-1 this Saturday in a match on date 7 of the Primeira Liga de Portugal. The result is anecdote, as it was overshadowed by a shameful scene of intolerance among fans.
During the first half at the António Coimbra da Mota stadium, an embarrassing event took place in the stands. It was recorded on video how a group of Estoril fans harassed and offended a Porto fan.
It was a man, who had attended the match with his little daughter. According to the Portuguese press, the group of furious local fans offended and even spat on the chair of the Porto fan, who was forced to leave the stands to protect the girl from him, whom he carried in his arms.
Even before the goal @estorilpraiasadmoments of some confusion at António Coimbra da Mota.
In addition to the insults, a supporter spat in the direction of FC Porto fans, with a child, who would leave the area on his father’s lap, watching everything nearby. pic.twitter.com/gWeiwLUOGg
— zerozero (@zerozeropt) September 17, 2022
The scene shook Portuguese football and outraged fans of other teams, who do not understand how intolerance and supposed love for a shirt can lead to unconsciousness and disrespect for minors.
The Estoril club published a note in which it rejects the actions of its fans and offers a public apology.
“Estoril Praia condemns each and every act of violence, of any nature. We have more than 80 years at the service of sport and training, with full respect for fair play. This is our DNA and we do not give up on our mission.
We deeply regret the situation experienced by the daughter of the FC Porto fan at the António Coimbra da Mota Stadium, apologizing and wishing that he never ceases to appreciate the true essence of Sport.
We condemn the attitudes of those who cannot control their emotions and allow the provocative attitudes of so-called football fans to turn into an unfortunate moment of aggression that has no place in a football stadium.
We also condemn all the acts carried out by alleged soccer fans who see sporting events as a privileged space to exude hatred and practice behaviors that we all consider unacceptable in society”, says the Estoril note.
