UEFA is poised to initiate an investigation after Cristiano Ronaldo was approached by six pitch invaders during Portugal’s EURO 2024 clash against Turkey. Portugal displayed an exceptional performance, registering a commanding 3-0 victory over Turkey at BVB Stadion Dortmund on June 22.
During the second half of the match, a young fan breached security personnel and ran towards Ronaldo. The Portugues icon paused to embrace the child and posed for a quick photo. The child happily obliged and later attempted to evade stewards. Eventually, the security managed to get the fan off the pitch when he reached the dugout and resumed play.
The situation developed increasingly vexing when three more supporters approached Ronaldo before the final whistle. Additionally, two other fans breached the security and approached the 39-year-old during the post-match celebrations. Consequently, this prompted Portugal coach Roberto Martinez to express his ‘concern’ regarding player safety at EURO.
“It is a concern because today the intentions of the fans were good. But there will be a difficult moment if the intentions are wrong and players are exposed. I don’t think that should happen. Maybe there is a message to the fans that this is not the right way. It is not good that the players are so exposed on the pitch,” said Martinez.
It’s just a bit annoying in terms of always having to stop the game because a fan enters the pitch: Bernardo Silva
Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva finds it “annoying” by pitch invaders, who temporarily halt the game. Silva, who scored Portugal’s opening goal, acknowledged that such incidents are commonplace when a player like Ronaldo is on the team.
“I’m not really concerned, it’s just a bit annoying in terms of always having to stop the game because a fan enters the pitch. That’s the price you pay for being so recognised in the world of football and having player like [Ronaldo] with us. In terms of feeling endangered, not me personally I don’t think,” Silva said.
