Famalicao-Sporting CP suspended due to mass brawl that left 6 injured

At least six people were injured on Saturday in riots close to the Famalicao stadium ahead of the match against Sporting CP, current leaders of the Portuguese League, which was postponed due to a lack of security personnel.

A police spokesman 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 the source, "the police response was swift".

In a statement, the Portuguese League condemned the incidents and announced the postponement of the match "with the agreement of the clubs" to a date yet to be determined, as "there are no security conditions for it to be held today or tomorrow".

According to it, the events took place when the fans weref the gates of the  waiting for the opening ostadium, which was delayed because the police officers in charge of the security of the sporting event did not show up. The league said it was "surprised" by the police officers' action and demanded that the government carry out an "urgent" investigation to determine who was responsible for what happened.

The clash was initially postponed for an hour, but ended up being postponed "sine die", because the policemen assigned to the event, as a "sign of protest", according to the League, asked for "time off work so as not to show up at the venue".

In recent weeks, Portuguese police officers have taken to the streets across the country to demand better jobs and pay, with mass marches in cities such as Lisbon and Porto.

 

February 3, 2024