The Public Security Police issued a statement reporting disrespect for the “No Name Boys”, a group of disorganized supporters of Benfica, which on Saturday, March 4, celebrates its 31st anniversary.
Already after the end of the match with Famalicão, which took place on Friday, the aforementioned group of fans, who occupy the public road next to the Estádio da Luz, began to detonate pyrotechnic artefacts, which led to the intervention of the police.
To deter and stop this behavior, and in the face of this movement, they were the target of throwing stones and bottles. Throwing objects damaged two non-police vehicles and injured one police officer; In light of the illegal actions and violent behavior against the police, a dispersal operation was carried out, using force and firing 2 least-lethal munitions,” according to the authority, which concluded:
“PSP calls on its supporters to comply with lawful and legitimate police orders to ensure the safety of all participants in sporting events and to refrain from aggressive and violent behavior that PSP will not hesitate to confront. to take deterrent and resolute action.”
This is the statement in full:
The Lisbon Public Security Police Command, through the 3rd Division, carried out, on March 3, the security operation for the Sport Lisbon e Benfica and Futebol Clube de Famalicao match, of which the following stand out:
1. Football teams and fans entered and exited the Estádio Sport Lisboa e Benfica in safe conditions without incident.
2. During the game, behaviors were recorded that led to 3 administrative offenses being raised, for the use of pyrotechnics and one for improper conduct, and even the fall of a fan who needed to receive medical treatment.
3. After the end of the match, most of the fans left the stadium for their destinations, and a few hundred fans belonging to “No Name Boys” stayed in the vicinity;
4. Shortly after 00:00, on the 4th of March, in celebration, it is alleged, of that group’s birthday, the partisans, who had occupied the public road, began firing volleys;
5. These actions in violation of road traffic regulations and the use of fireworks have begun to endanger drivers and pedestrians who are still moving around in that area.
6 – The policemen who were in the ranks of the police and who were watching these supporters approached to deter and stop this behavior, and in the face of this movement they threw stones and bottles.
7 – Throwing objects that caused damage to two non-police vehicles and injuring a police officer.
8. In light of the unlawful acts and violent conduct against the police, a dispersal operation was carried out using force and 2 least-lethal munitions were fired.
9. After the intervention of the PSP, public order has been restored and many pyrotechnics have been collected.
10. PSP calls on supporters to comply with legal and legitimate orders of the police so that the safety of all participants in sporting events is ensured and to refrain from aggressive and violent behaviour, against which PSP will not hesitate to take a deterrent and firm stand. »