“We expect, whether at the stadiums in Lisbon or Braga, or later at the celebration venues, that all individuals will follow the instructions of the PSP. We aim to balance tolerance with firm enforcement of the law to facilitate a safe and orderly environment,” stated Superintendent Luís Elias from the Lisbon Metropolitan Command today.
Similar to last week when the champion could have been decided, the PSP has initiated a security operation in preparation for the celebrations marking the end of the Primeira Liga football season. Sporting, playing at home against Vitória de Guimarães, and Benfica, facing Sporting de Braga away, both have the opportunity to secure the championship.
This situation necessitates special measures from the PSP in both Lisbon and Braga. The operation will focus on the game venues, the routes, and, at the conclusion, the Marquês de Pombal area, a traditional celebration spot in Lisbon.
“We count on everyone’s cooperation and aim to allow and facilitate this event to unfold peacefully, civilly, and in a festive atmosphere,” reiterated the superintendent.
In Lisbon, near the Estádio José Alvalade, there is an appeal for fans to use public transport in advance. Parking will be restricted and commercial establishments will close from 1:00 PM in the area.
The district command in Braga will have “the dual task” of escorting Vitória de Guimarães fans to the Estádio José Alvalade with ‘spotters,’ while gates in Braga will open at 4:00 PM, also urging fans to utilize public transport.
Furthermore, according to Superintendent Luís Elias, the policing strategy in Lisbon is centered on the Estádio José Alvalade, the route, and Marquês de Pombal. Should Benfica win the title, security arrangements will extend to the airport and the subsequent journey into the city center.
Access to Marquês de Pombal will see the closure of four metro stations [Marquês de Pombal, Avenida da Liberdade, Picoas, and Parque], with entry to the area only permitted via Avenida António Augusto Aguiar, Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo, Rua Martens Ferrão, Avenida Duque de Loulé, Avenida da Liberdade, and Rua Braamcamp.
“We have six entrances to the venue (…), where the PSP will conduct checks prohibiting items such as glass bottles, cups, megaphones, chairs or benches, selfie sticks, laser pointers, and air horns. Entry will not be permitted,” stated the superintendent.
From 3:00 PM, traffic will be halted with the closure of the Marquês tunnel. The four metro stations will close at 5:30 PM, followed by a “security sweep of the venue” before allowing people to enter from 8:30/9:00 PM onwards.
Both Sporting and Benfica enter the 34th round of the Primeira Liga tied with 79 points. The ‘lions’ will host Vitória de Guimarães while the ‘eagles’ visit Sporting de Braga, with both matches scheduled to start at 6:00 PM on Saturday.
If the teams are level on points, Sporting will claim the championship due to their superior head-to-head record against Benfica (a 1-0 victory at Alvalade and a 1-1 draw at the Luz).
