Alert issued by police for upcoming football game in Algarve region
The Algarve region is gearing up for a significant influx of spectators in the days leading to the highly anticipated Caândido de Oliveira Super Cup match between Benfica and Sporting, scheduled for 8:45 pm tonight at the Estádio do Algarve.
To ensure public order, protect teams, referees, and fans, and promote smooth traffic flow at the stadium's entrances, the police and GNR (National Republican Guard) have put in place a series of coordinated measures. Fans are advised to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion.
The security force will be responsible for security, road patrol operations, interventions, and criminal investigations. In addition, they will act preventively and be prepared to respond quickly to any incidents that could threaten security, public order, or safety of people and property.
Key security measures include the prevention and mitigation of road accidents related to fan movement in the area, the prohibition of entry for spectators with a blood alcohol level of 0.8 grams per litre or higher, and the ban on weapons and pyrotechnics from the stadium.
As for traffic control, the A22 highway will be closed in the Portugal-Spain direction between junctions 12 and 13 from 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Alternate routes have been provided via National Roads EN 396 and EN 125, and Complementary Route IC4. IC4 access towards Faro is closed, with alternatives on EN125-4 and Municipal Road EM 520-1. The Troto bypass on EN125 and IC4 towards Faro-Loulé is also closed, with diversions via EN125.
These measures aim to facilitate safe and orderly transport to and from the stadium while enabling law enforcement to maintain security during the match. Fans are asked to strictly follow signs regarding access roads and fan spaces for each team. The Intervention Unit and the National Traffic Unit will also be involved in the operation.
Gates to the stadium will open at 6:45 p.m. The GNR (National Republican Guard) will deploy approximately 450 military personnel from the Faro Territorial Command for security operations. Weapons and pyrotechnics are prohibited from entering the stadium.
[1] Source: Local Police and GNR Communications
Fans planning to attend the football match between Benfica and Sporting in the Algarve region, Portugal, should be aware of the security measures in place. These include the prevention of road accidents related to fan movement, the prohibition of entry for spectators with a high blood alcohol level, and the ban on weapons and pyrotechnics. Moreover, it's advisable for people to follow signs regarding access roads and fan spaces for each team to ensure a smooth and secure event experience.
