Ronaldo fans need stop invading pitch
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez wants supporters of Cristiano Ronaldo to stop invading the field, both during team practices and games at Euro 2024, he said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Six fans entered the field the BVB Stadion in Dortmund during and after Portugal’s 3-0 win over Türkiye on June 22. One supporter broke into Portugal’s team practice on June 14. As a result, UEFA, as the European football governing body, had to introduce additional security measures for Euro 2024 and file criminal complaints against any supporters who invade the pitch.
“Ronaldo is a very experienced player who has been with the national team for over 20 years,” Martinez said. “He knows the kind of support fans provide – not just Portugal fans, but football fans in general – but I hope there won’t be any more pitch invasions. It is dangerous, and it is not good for football. It’s not the part of the game that we want to see.”
Ronaldo took selfies with fans on both occasions. German referee Felix Zwayer had to delay the game against Türkiye until the invader was removed from the pitch by security.
Portugal currently lead Group F after beating both the Czech Republic 2-1 and Türkiye 3-0 in their first two games. Ronaldo, 39, is still seeking his first goal at the tournament. His side will play Georgia on Wednesday.
“I can tell you that Ronaldo will be in the starting lineup,” Martinez said. “It’s important to keep his competitive level high. It’s not good to start and stop.”
Portugal have already clinched a berth in the round of 16 at Euro 2024. By contrast, Georgia need a win to ensure qualification for the knockout phase.
“Ronaldo was my boyhood idol,” Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia said. “I always dreamed of playing with him. He does not play in Europe anymore, so I’m so glad to have this chance to play against him.”
