In response to a security advisory from the PSP highlighting safety risks in certain areas around Sporting’s stadium, the Lisbon City Council emphasized the necessity of measures to ensure safety for all intending to celebrate the final match of Sporting Clube de Portugal, according to a statement released by the council.
Earlier, the PSP had explained that the preventative closure of dining and drinking establishments near the Estádio de Alvalade and Praça Marquês de Pombal in Lisbon was essential for public safety.
This PSP clarification followed the Lisbon City Council’s announcement, responding to a request from the PSP’s Metropolitan Command in Lisbon, stating that nearly 20 commercial establishments surrounding the José Alvalade Stadium would be closed from 1 PM on Saturday until 7 AM on Sunday.
The focus is the match between Sporting and Vitória de Guimarães, which could potentially crown Sporting as the national football champion.
The council, led by Carlos Moedas, urged in its communication released tonight for “understanding from restaurant owners,” recalling “several incidents last week reported by the PSP to the CML.”
“Based on the risk assessment, the CML had no choice but to agree to protect these establishments and everyone’s safety,” the statement asserted.
The Lisbon City Council further emphasized the “appeal for everyone to celebrate in an orderly manner.”
“This has been the case for the last two years. We believe and will do everything possible for it to also happen this year,” it stated.
Approximately 60 commercial establishments in the Marquês de Pombal area will also face restrictions, closing at 5 PM on Saturday.
This is due to the traditional gathering of Benfica and Sporting fans at the Marquês de Pombal roundabout and its surroundings to celebrate championship victories.
In a statement released today, the PSP announced a “complex, dynamic, and large-scale police operation across the country, particularly in Braga and Lisbon,” where the Benfica and Sporting matches will be held, respectively.
The PSP stated that the decision to close commercial establishments, “predominantly preventative in nature, is within the duty to safeguard public order, tranquility, and safety (…) as well as the pursuit of aims of crime prevention and protection of people and goods as stipulated in the Internal Security Law.”
Merchants near the Estádio de Alvalade and Marquês de Pombal have already expressed their disapproval of the imposed schedule restrictions.
The Portuguese Hospitality, Restaurant and Similar Establishments Association (AHRESP) also expressed concern today about the economic impact of the early closure of establishments at various points in Lisbon.
Following the outcome of last weekend’s Lisbon derby, the decisive matches of the final round of the Primeira Liga are scheduled for Saturday at 6 PM, notably Sporting vs. Vitória de Guimarães and Sporting de Braga vs. Benfica, which will determine the championship title.
