As Arsenal prepares for their Champions League last-16 tie against FC Porto tonight, Portuguese police are taking extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of travelling Arsenal supporters.
Tensions have escalated due to an ongoing rift involving former Tottenham boss Andre Villas Boas and Porto Ultras.
The Public Security Police (PSP) in the city will deploy officers from five different units, including the Criminal Investigation Division, to monitor the situation around the Estadio do Dragao.
Security Measures and Context:
The decision to provide additional security stems from concerns related to the upcoming Porto presidential election and the animosity surrounding it.
The PSP has confiscated at least 87 tickets belonging to members of the Porto Ultras group Super Dragoes, heightening fears of potential violence.
While a typical Arsenal match abroad might see only a couple of officers from England, the current situation warrants up to 10 officers, reflecting the severity of the circumstances.
Historical Context of Fan Violence:
The city of Porto has witnessed high-profile matches descending into chaos in the past. During Porto’s last-16 match against Inter Milan last year, clashes erupted when travelling fans were denied entry to the home stands.
Similarly, in 2019, England fans’ behavior ahead of the Nations League semi-final against Netherlands led to riot officers intervening to control fighting against Portugal fans.
The history of such incidents has prompted a proactive approach by the authorities to prevent a recurrence.
Emotionally-Charged Election and Intimidation:
The current situation is further complicated by an emotionally-charged presidential election between Villas Boas and the incumbent president, Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa.
Villas Boas, a former manager of Spurs, is a leading contender for the position. He has been vocal about facing intimidation, alleging that an employee of his was hospitalized and had property stolen in November.
Incumbent president Pinto da Costa has been in office since 1982, overseeing Porto’s transformation into a European powerhouse.
Background on Porto’s Success and Election Dynamics:
Under Pinto da Costa’s leadership, Porto has achieved remarkable success, winning 23 Primeira Liga titles, the UEFA Champions League in 2004 under Jose Mourinho, and other prestigious trophies.
Despite this, Villas Boas positions himself as a candidate for change, campaigning for a shift in leadership. The upcoming election in April has intensified the rivalry, leading to heightened tensions and security concerns.
Recent Arrests and Election Fallout:
The recent arrest of Super Dragoes leader Fernando Madureira and 11 others in connection with disorder during a Porto General Assembly adds another layer of complexity.
The arrests included two Porto employees, raising questions about the political undercurrents within the club. The General Assembly in November descended into chaos, leading to its abandonment after fighting between Ultras and Porto members.
Police Spokesman’s Statement:
A spokesperson for the PSP emphasized the continuous nature of policing, outlining a comprehensive approach integrating different police divisions.
The Traffic Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Rapid Intervention Teams, Metropolitan Sports Information Unit, and the Detached Force of the Special Police Unit will collaborate to ensure the safety of fans throughout the event and their journey back home.
Conclusion:
The clash between Arsenal and FC Porto takes on added significance beyond the football pitch, with security concerns influenced by the emotionally-charged Porto presidential election and historical incidents of fan violence.
Portuguese police are taking proactive measures to maintain order, reflecting the complexities of the situation involving sport, politics, and the passionate loyalty of football fans.
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