Sporting Lisbon fans set off fireworks during their Champions League clash with Arsenal in a move which threatened to derail the game.
The disgruntled home supporters launched the pyrotechnics after around 25 minutes with their side trailing 2-0 at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
It was thought the game might have to be paused as they fireworks exploded over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya’s penalty area, and plumes of green and white smoke billowed over the stand, but the chaos passed without incident.
Sporting fans have a history of setting off the rockets, having done so during the Portuguese Super Cup final in August, which caused the match to be briefly stopped.
And Arsenal fan TV made light of the crackling situation on Tuesday night, writing on X: ‘David Raya getting tested by fireworks more than the Sporting attackers tonight.’
Gabriel Martinelli put Mikel Arteta’s side 1-0 up after seven minutes before Kai Havertz doubled the lead and Gabriel headed home a third on the stroke of half-time. However, Sporting drew the score back to 3-1 early in the second half via a Goncalo Inacio goal.
Sporting could face a UEFA fine after the fireworks were let off.
More to follow.
Leave a Reply