Portugal game stopped 4 times by Ronaldo fans
The article discusses how Ronaldo set a new record for the most assists in the Euro competition, with a video lasting 53 seconds.
Sam Marsden talks about how Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record by helping Bruno Fernandes score in Portugal's win against Turkey. (0:53)
Senior Writer Mark Ogden from ESPN FC wrote a blog on June 22, 2024 at 7:01 PM.
During Portugal's Euro 2024 Group F victory against Turkey in Dortmund on Saturday, the game was interrupted on four occasions by fans who ran onto the field to take selfies with Cristiano Ronaldo. After the match, two more fans also did the same.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez spoke seriously about the incidents that occurred after the game, stating that it should not be tolerated and urging other fans not to act in the same way.
"It's something we're worried about, but we were fortunate today because the fans had good intentions," he explained. "The fans may admire famous stars and idols, but it can be risky if their intentions are misguided and players are put in a tough spot."
It's unacceptable. With so much security in place, it should not be happening. Perhaps this is a warning to fans that this behavior is not acceptable. The warning is that the situation could deteriorate in the future, and it is concerning that players are so vulnerable on the field.
Ronaldo, currently competing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, grinned and took a photo with a boy who managed to slip past security and run onto the field during the 70th minute.
The young boy, who was approximately 10 years old, received a hug from Ronaldo and then managed to evade security guards as he ran onto the field. However, he eventually reached a point where he could no longer flee and was caught.
As he was escorted off the field, stewards and backup players standing on the sidelines patted the young boy on the head. The spectators in the stadium erupted into applause as he waved goodbye while being taken away.
After that, a young boy tried to copy the stunt 15 minutes later, but Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal, raised his arms and gestured for the boy to stop before security prevented him from getting close to the ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United player.
Twice, the German referee Felix Zwayer had to stop the game until the young players were taken off the field.
Two additional fans, this time men, entered the field during extra time and made their way towards Ronaldo with their mobile phones before security intervened.
At last, two additional fans replicated the same stunt after the game had ended, not causing any disruption but making their way onto the field nonetheless.
The events will prompt UEFA to conduct a disciplinary investigation on the security within the stadium. The venue is expected to hold Germany's round-of-16 match and a semifinal game during the tournament.
