On Friday, the Lisbon Metropolitan Command of the Public Security Police (PSP) announced that it would be implementing a security operation near the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, where Benfica will face Sporting Clube de Portugal for the 13th round of Liga Portugal Betclic at 8:15 PM. Due to the “high risk” nature of the event, authorities have reminded attendees of specific guidelines and indicated expected traffic alterations.
“This football match is considered a ‘high-risk’ event, with the stadium expected to be at full capacity. The official opening time for the stadium to the public is set for 6:15 PM,” the security force detailed in a statement sent to newsrooms, emphasizing that actions will commence in the morning, focusing on parking and traffic regulation.
The PSP also stated that “there will be temporary traffic restrictions, particularly during the movement of teams and organized fan groups, especially those considered high risk.” In line with this, authorities intend for “visiting fans to gather near the Estádio do Sporting Clube de Portugal by 4:30 PM, with a planned departure at 5:00 PM.”
“The Lisbon Metropolitan Command of the PSP will deploy a police unit deemed appropriate for the circumstances, including various branches of the PSP such as the Area Police Division, Traffic Division, Public Transport Security Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Metropolitan Sports Information Unit, Rapid Intervention Teams, Immediate Prevention and Reaction Teams, and the reinforcement of the Special Police Unit,” the organization added.
According to the same note, “violence associated with sports falls under the category of priority prevention crimes, and thus, with this unit, the primary mission of the PSP is to ensure the safety of people and property, both inside and outside the sports complex,” aiming to “minimize the impact of necessary road restrictions for this security operation.”
If PSP intervention is deemed necessary, dial 112 and/or 217 654 242.
Authorities also urged that “fans traveling to the stadium adopt sporting fair play behaviors, avoiding actions that endanger the safety of others, as well as disturbances of public order and tranquility, and respect the instructions of the police on duty.”
Regarding traffic restrictions, the PSP expects the following streets to be affected between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM:
- Rua Professor Fernando da Fonseca;
- Rua Professor Vieira de Almeida;
- Rua Professor Francisco Gentil;
- Rua Fernando Namora;
- Travessa da Luz;
- Estrada da Luz;
- 2.ª Circular;
- Avenida Condes de Carnide;
- Avenida Machado Santos;
- Complexo da Luz (TV Compound).
According to current legislation, it is a crime:
- To distribute and sell counterfeit or irregular entry tickets;
- To cause damage to public transport, installations, or equipment used by the public;
- To participate in a brawl traveling to or from the sports event;
- Unauthorized entry onto the competition area (field);
- Assaults, perpetrated individually or in groups.
Fans are advised to:
- Travel to Estádio da Luz using public transport, avoiding bringing vehicles to the vicinity;
- Arrive early, given the high turnout and the need to conduct necessary security procedures;
- If using private vehicles, to park in designated areas;
- Avoid bringing bags and backpacks into the sports facility.
On the day of the game that ‘kicks off’ the 13th round of the Portuguese championship, Benfica and Sporting meet at Estádio da Luz for a high-stakes derby. The match is scheduled to start at 8:15 PM this Friday.
Notícias ao Minuto | 10:00 – 05/12/2025
