Sports
Pitch Invaders Disrupt Portugal vs Turkey Euro 2024 Match in Pursuit of Ronaldo
A Group F match at the ongoing Euro 2024 between Portugal and Turkey was interrupted several times on Saturday as pitch invaders repeatedly attempted to get close to Cristiano Ronaldo for a photograph.
The first intruder, a young boy wearing a red tracksuit top, emerged from the stands midway through the second half, approaching the Portugal captain. Ronaldo graciously posed for a photo before the boy ran off, attempting to evade the stewards who eventually caught and escorted him away to applause from the stands.
At least five other fans managed to get onto the pitch, either during the match or after the final whistle, attempting similar stunts. However, Ronaldo grew increasingly exasperated with the unwanted attention.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez expressed relief that none of the multiple fans who invaded the pitch during the game had ill intentions. “It is a concern because today we were lucky that the intentions of the fans were good,” Martinez told reporters after Portugal secured qualification for the last 16.
Martinez acknowledged the admiration fans have for big stars but stressed the potential danger. “I think that we all love a fan who recognizes the big stars who are icons in their lands. I think we all agree with that, but you can understand that it is a very difficult moment if those intentions are wrong. Then the players are exposed, and we need to be careful with that. Probably there is a lot of security and protection and I don’t think it should happen.”
Martinez, the former Belgium boss, added, “Probably we should give a message to the fans that it is not the right way. You are not going to get anything out of it, and what you do is that probably the measures get worse for the future, and it is not good to get the players so exposed when you get people running on the pitch.”
Ronaldo, one of the most recognizable celebrities on the planet, has dealt with similar situations throughout his career. His teammate, Bernardo Silva, who scored the first goal in the game, acknowledged the challenges that come with such fame.
“I am not really concerned. It is just a bit annoying in terms of always having to stop the game because a fan enters the pitch,” the Manchester City player said. “Apart from that, I think that is the price you pay for being so recognized in the world of football. But in terms of feeling in danger, I don’t think so, not me personally at least.”
The disruptions underscore the fine line between fan admiration and the need for player security, highlighting the challenges faced by high-profile athletes in maintaining a balance between their public and private lives.
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has clarified that he didn’t intend to offend his player Ademola Lookman.
Gasperini infuriated Lookman after criticising the Nigerian international for taking a penalty in Tuesday night’s home loss to Club Brugge.
The Italian declared that the striker was “one of the worst penalty kick takers” he had ever seen.
But, Lookman responded by labelling his manager’s comment disrespectful.
However, Gasperini clarified his position, saying: “He had an extraordinary impact. My words were never meant to be offensive.”
Gasperini spoke at a press conference on Saturday via TMW.
“Yesterday, in Udinese-Lecce, we saw what could have turned into a global spectacle, but fortunately, the players let it go,” he said.
“I would have liked to see a great player like him [Lookman] make a gesture toward [Charles] De Ketelaere, saying, ‘Come on, take the ball, put it in.
“He could become a penalty taker, adding another scoring ability. But I almost feel like there’s a narrative being pushed that Atalanta are in chaos when the reality is quite different.
“I always speak in front of the whole team, this has never even been an issue within the club.
“The player felt offended, but I never intended to offend anyone. In the end, I think it turned out well because there was no unnecessary drama.
“I also appreciated what happened in the Udinese game, with both the players and the coach. Lookman came on against Brugge in an extraordinary way, and his gesture, even if generous, doesn’t change my opinion,” Gasperini stated.
Former Liverpool man, Didi Hamann has told Arsenal they cannot win titles without a top striker.
Hamann believes that Arsenal’s quest for titles would remain a mirage if they fail to bring in a top striker.
He named Ollie Watkins as another good option the Gunners could have gone for in the winter transfer window.
“I said that before, I don’t see them winning the Premier League or the Champions League unless they sign a centre-forward like Ollie Watkins,” he told Prime Casino.
I don’t know how serious that was, but [Jhon] Duran went to Saudi, so I think it was always unlikely they’re gonna let Watkins go, still being in the Champions League.
“I think the team is well equipped, but the lack of a centre forward is obviously what I think harms their chances,” he added.
Mikel Arteta’s side have also been linked with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, Liam Delap and Youssef En-Nesyri.
They are in dire need of a front man to solve their goal-scoring issues.
The Gunners are without a striker for the rest of the season following injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Victory in the FA Cup last week, a win in the Premier League tonight… Brighton are wishing they could play Chelsea every week.
A hugely-impressive performance from the home side who now move up into eighth place, above both Aston Villa and Fulham.
Brighton enjoyed their first home win in six games in the Premier League (D3 L2), while it was their joint-biggest win in the competition over a side starting the day in the fop four, along with a 3-0 win v Arsenal in May 2023 under Roberto De Zerbi.
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