Shortly before the meeting began, around 100 people showed up unexpectedly at the game venue.
They detonated pyrotechnic devices near the stadium. Due to the clashes, 124 fans of the two clubs, 63 from Benfica, 61 from Sporting, were detained, according to a statement from the PSP.
Two minor injuries were reported and a lot of material was seized. The origin of the clashes with pyrotechnic material would have been graffiti at the Estádio da Luz calling the Benfica fans “racists”.
The detainees have already been identified and are expected to appear before a judge this Friday.
RTP reporter, Bruno Valério, explains what happened.
The authorities had already reported a very significant number of detainees in the clashes that took place near the José Alvalade Stadium, in Lisbon.
After these incidents, the São Paulo Football Federation (FPF) announced the opening of an investigation to determine responsibilities.
COMETLIS statement
In a statement, the PSP’s Lisbon Metropolitan Command (COMETLIS) later detailed that these arrests, of 63 associated with Benfica and 61 with Sporting, occurred by “presumed commission of the crime of participating in a fight, among other related offenses, namely use, misuse and throwing of pyrotechnic articles“.
The incidents before the Futsal League classic, at Pavilhão João Rocha, which ended in a draw (2-2), occurred near the José Alvalade Stadium, also in Lisbon, where, according to the PSP, “the police intervention was quick and coordinated, involving spotters from the Metropolitan Sports Information Unit (UMID), with support from COMETLIS Rapid Intervention Teams, and later, reinforcement from the Intervention Corps of the Special Police Unit (UEP)”.
“With the quick intervention and prompt action of the PSP, it was possible to avoid major incidentsstop and mitigate those that were already developing and return public order and tranquility to the place, avoiding further damage and/or physical injuries between those involved in the fight and third parties”, explained the authorities.
Confirming the record of “at least two injured people, to whom pre-hospital assistance was provided”, the PSP further adds that “the detainees were transported to provisional holding rooms and will, after completing all the legal formalities associated with detention, be notified to appear before the competent judicial authority”.
During the operation, “various material suspected of having been used in the fight was seized, including detonated pyrotechnic items, iron, stones, belts, sticks, a hammer, a bladed weapon and identity concealment material (balaclavas)”.
“The PSP deeply regrets the occurrence of these types of incidents and violent behaviors associated with sportwhich put the safety of all citizens at risk, including the many fans who wish to peacefully watch sporting events”, authorities continue.
To conclude, the PSP “thanks the vast majority of fans present at Pavilhão João Rocha for their civic and orderly behavior, and reaffirms its commitment to the prevention and repression of any form of violence associated with the sporting phenomenon, calling on all fans to adopt civic and responsible behavior, contributing to the safe holding of these events”.
The meeting between Sporting and Benfica, in the 16th round of the Futsal League, ended in a 2-2 draw.
Sporting and Benfica will face each other again on Monday, this time at the home of the ‘reds’, in the futsal Champions League.
