The PSP announced on Monday that it had prepared a device to deal with any impromptu celebrations that could take place should Benfica be crowned national football champions this weekend, but clarified that “official celebrations will not take place”.
“A plan is being prepared that will cover the whole weekend, knowing that there is the possibility of spontaneous manifestations of supporters,” said the intendant Francisco Alves of the Public Security Police (PSP) at the press conference at the Sporting-Benfica. matchday 33 of the I Liga, scheduled for Sunday, at Estádio José Alvalade.
During the weekend, in the penultimate round of the championship, the ‘incarnates’ can secure the conquest of the 38th title of football champion in their history, which, if it happens, will not be officially celebrated,” he clarified Francisco Alves. Benfica, you know still, could even become champion on Saturday night, if FC Porto is defeated in Famalicão.
Regarding the match at Estádio José Alvalade, on Sunday at 8:30 p.m., Francisco Alves recalled that it is “a high-risk match”, in which about 45,000 spectators are expected.
“We know that it is a sporting event that is considered a historic derby, of a competition that is in a decisive phase,” said the PSP intendant, who appealed for the cooperation of the supporters.
According to Francisco Alves, the doors of the José Alvalade stadium will open at 6.30pm and Benfica supporters are expected to follow on foot, who will gather at Estádio da Luz to head for the ‘Leonine’ stronghold.
“We ask Benfica supporters who want to gather at Estádio da Luz to do so no later than 4.30 pm so that the usual foot support can start at 5 pm,” said the intendant.
For ‘red’ fans who choose to go directly to Sporting’s stadium, PSP advises parking next to the Ricardo Jorge Institute, which “will have police from 4.30pm”.
Anticipating a large influx of traffic in the area of the Sporting venue between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, the PSP asks anyone who will not be attending the event to arrive, if possible, from 6:00 PM place to circulate: 00 onwards.
Regarding ticket sales, Francisco Alves recalled that “the PSP is not in the business of ticket sales, nor does it know the variables that lead to the ticket allocation,” but he assured that he would support in any way possible and called for it to the denounce all suspicions of speculation.
“The needles are in place. We cannot intervene in ticket sales. What we can do is give suggestions to the promoter and that has already been done,” he said, adding: “In all matches there will be supporters of both teams . which will be in certain places in the stadium of the two teams. In this match, perhaps the concern is greater, because we are talking about a derby”.
However, the PSP intendant appealed to everyone’s good behavior and recalled that “if the supporters go to their destination and behave normally, the police need not intervene”.
Benfica are crowned league champions for the 38th time as they beat Sporting, ranked fourth, by 70 points in the derby scheduled for Sunday.
Benfica, which is four points ahead of FC Porto, second, can secure the title on Saturday, however, if the ‘blue and white’ lose to Famalicão.
Source: DN
