Portugal’s victory over Turkey in their Euro 2024 Group F clash in Dortmund was marred by multiple pitch invasions, with fans interrupting play to take selfies with Cristiano Ronaldo. The incidents, which occurred both during and after the match, have raised serious concerns about player safety and stadium security.
Following the game, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez expressed grave concern over the pitch invasions, emphasizing that such behavior should not be tolerated. “It is concerning, even though today the fans’ intentions seemed harmless,” Martinez remarked. “Fans admire big stars like Ronaldo, but it’s a precarious situation if their actions turn negative and players are put at risk.”
Despite heightened security measures, including numerous stewards and officials on the pitch, fans managed to evade them multiple times. In one instance during the 70th minute, a young boy, approximately 10 years old, breached security to take a photo with Ronaldo. The incident led to a brief halt in play as stewards escorted the child off the field amid applause from the crowd.
Later in the Euro 2024 match, a teenage boy attempted a similar stunt, prompting Ronaldo to gesture him away before security intervened. Two more fans, adult males, also ran onto the pitch in stoppage time, aiming to reach Ronaldo with their phones, further delaying proceedings.
The interruptions have triggered an automatic UEFA investigation into the stadium’s security arrangements. Signal Iduna Park, where the incidents occurred, is set to host critical matches in the tournament, including a round-of-16 fixture and a semifinal.
Ronaldo, who now plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, remained composed during the disruptions, cooperating with security and interacting briefly with the fans before they were escorted off the field.
The pitch invasions highlight a growing challenge for organizers to ensure player safety and maintain the integrity of matches in major football tournaments.
