Portugal manager Roberto Martinez expressed concern over fans invading the pitch to take selfies with players after his team’s victory over Turkey at Euro 2024.
During Portugal’s 3-0 win in Dortmund, five individuals managed to breach security and attempt to take photos with Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Security personnel at Westfalenstadion were forced to pursue each intruder, causing frustration among players and spectators in the stands.
“It is a concern. Today the intentions of the fans were good. We all love a fan who recognises the big stars and icons,” said Martinez.
“But you [must] understand there’s a difficult moment if their intentions are wrong. We need to be careful. It shouldn’t happen – there’s a lot of security.
“We should give a message to the fans also because it is not the right way. It may get worse for the future. It’s not good to have the players so exposed on the pitch.”
The initial intruder onto the pitch was a young boy, whom Ronaldo embraced before posing for a photograph.
However, Ronaldo grew frustrated when a third individual attempted the same feat while Portugal was gearing up to defend a corner in the second half. Security personnel had to intervene and restrain the fan beside the goal.
Following the match, Ronaldo pushed away a fifth supporter and was accompanied off the pitch by a security member.
Despite these incidents, Portugal teammate Bernardo Silva expressed that he was “personally not overly concerned” by the pitch invasions.
“It’s just a bit annoying in terms of always having to stop the game because a fan enters the pitch,” said Silva.
“I think that’s the price you pay for being so recognised in the world of football and having a player like [Ronaldo] with us in the team. But in terms of being in danger, no I don’t feel that personally.”
Ian Dennis, BBC Radio 5 Live’s senior football reporter on commentary, said, “Questions will be asked of the security”.
“The security here has been lacking and this stadium will host a semi-final – they’re going to have to tighten it up,” he added.
UEFA’s disciplinary body will wait for reports from officials before taking any further action.
