Enhanced safety measures implemented for the championship match
In anticipation of Sunday's Portuguese Cup final between Benfica and Sporting, the authorities are taking extensive measures to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all spectators. This comes after a tragic incident during a previous encounter in 1996, where a Sporting fan lost his life following a flare attack from Benfica supporters at the National Stadium in Oeiras.
At a press conference held there, Deputy Superintendent of the Public Security Police (PSP), Carla Duarte, stressed the importance of learning from past events. She highlighted the significant presence of police throughout the event, with restrictions on movement having already been implemented since Tuesday, to maintain maximum security and tranquility.
Access to the Jamor sports complex will be granted from 6 am on Sunday, with the stadium doors opening at 2:15 pm, three hours before kickoff. This is an earlier-than-usual measure to enable better crowd control and prevent congestion. The PSP urges fans to adhere to these timings and start accessing the stadium as soon as the doors open, as security procedures will be stringent and time-consuming.
In order to facilitate traditional fan celebrations, ticket control will only occur at the stadium entrance. According to Duarte, there will be no ticket checks around the stadium, recognizing that this is a family-oriented occasion. For the Lisbon classic, Sporting fans will be situated on the south side, with access via CREL and parking in Park One, while Benfica fans will be on the north side, accessible via the A5 with parking in Park Five.
The PSP declined to comment on the "injuries to citizens" during Sporting's recent celebrations for winning the national title, citing an ongoing investigation into the police officers involved. However, Duarte assured that the policing unit assigned to the Portuguese Cup final will act accordingly and prevent any unwanted incidents.
With 26 and 17 Portuguese Cup titles respectively, Benfica and Sporting will face off in the final of the 2024/25 season at the National Stadium in Oeiras on Sunday. The match kicks off at 5:15 pm. The authorities' focus on safety and fair play underscores their commitment to preventing any incidents that might mar the sporting event and allow families and fans alike to enjoy the game peacefully.
Fans of European football leagues must pay attention to the upcoming Portuguese Cup final between Benfica and Sporting, as the authorities are taking stringent measures to prevent any unwanted incidents due to lessons learned from past events. On Sunday, access to the Jamor sports complex will be granted from 6 am, with the stadium doors opening at 2:15 pm, encouraging fans to arrive early for better crowd control and an enjoyable experience.
