A confrontation involving seven individuals dressed in dark clothing, known as ‘casuals’ supporters associated with Benfica, targeted the Sporting Club de Setúbal’s premises, according to a source from the National Directorate of the Public Security Police (PSP).
The incident, reported at 19:20, resulted in damage to the establishment and left one Sporting supporter injured from a stabbing. The injured fan was transported to the hospital and was reported to be in a stable condition, not facing life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were recorded.
The PSP source noted that this attack is part of a series of vandalism incidents, including an attack on the Sporting Club in Faro. This previous incident involved the vandalism of the club with red paint, occurring the night before the impending derby match between Sporting and Benfica on Saturday. This match, part of the 33rd round of the Premier League, has the potential to determine the 2024/25 national football champion.
Earlier this week, a statue of a lion located near the Alvalade Stadium was also vandalized with red paint. The PSP emphasized their commitment to increasing police presence in risk-prone areas to maintain public order.
The PSP had already announced plans for a “dynamic policing” strategy for this Saturday’s derby between Sporting and Benfica, contingent on a risk assessment to be conducted at the end of the match.
Sporting and Benfica are currently tied at the top of the Primeira Liga and will face off this Saturday at 18:00 at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. The outcome of this 33rd round match, officiated by João Pinheiro from the Braga association, may determine the national champion for the 2024/25 season.
