Arsenal fans will be given extra security ahead of Champions League clash in Porto as police are placed on high alert… and it’s all to do with ex-Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas
- Portuguese police will provide extra security for traveling Arsenal supporters
- The city will deploy officers from five different units around the stadium
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Arsenal fans will receive extra security from Portuguese police tonight for the Champions League last-16 tie against FC Porto, amid tensions between ex-Tottenham boss Andre Villas Boas and Porto Ultras.
Mail Sport understands that the city’s Public Security Police (PSP) will deploy officers from five different units – including the Criminal Investigation Division, which focuses on organized crime – around the Estadio do Dragao in light of a rift that has emerged. due to the upcoming presidential elections in Porto. Police will also monitor the areas surrounding the fan accommodations.
The PSP has seized at least 87 tickets for the match belonging to members of Porto Ultras group Super Dragoes and concerns have been raised about the potential for violence.
A typical Arsenal match abroad would normally require a few officers to travel from England, but due to the situation, Mail Sport understands that up to ten officers will make the trip.
It comes as previous high-profile matches in the city have descended into chaos. Porto’s last 16 tie against Inter Milan last year erupted after traveling fans who had bought tickets for the home stands were denied entry in a bid to avoid clashes between the opponents.
Arsenal will play Porto in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday
Arsenal fans will receive extra security from the Portuguese police for the tie
And in 2019, the behavior of England fans ahead of the Nations League semi-final against the Netherlands was described as ‘completely unacceptable’ by British police chief Mark Roberts after riot police officers were called to battle Portuguese fans.
This time Arsenal visits the city against the backdrop of an emotionally charged presidential election between Villas Boas and 86-year-old Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa.
Super Dragoes leader Fernando Madureira, 48, was arrested along with 11 others on January 31 as part of an investigation into disorder at an Porto General Assembly held in November ahead of April elections.
Amazingly, the arrests involved two Porto employees: supporters liaison officer Fernando Saul and Tiago Aguiar.
Villas Boas, who previously managed Spurs and is a leading contender to become club chairman, has been the target of harassment in recent months. He claimed in November that an employee of his had been hospitalized and property had been stolen.
Incumbent president Pinto da Costa has held this position since 1982 and has seen the club evolve from mediocrity to a European powerhouse.
They had won four titles in 42 years before Pinto da Costa became president. Yet during his reign, which is the longest in world football, the Dragons have won 23 Primeira Liga titles, the UEFA Champions League in 2004 under Jose Mourinho, the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Europa League.
The city will deploy officers from five different units around the Estadio Dragao
Andre Villas Boas, who previously managed Spurs and is a leading contender to become club chairman
He has the support of the Ultras. For the upcoming elections in April, Villas Boas is his main rival. The 46-year-old has campaigned hard, holding daily public meet-and-greets at his base as he argues it is time for change.
The November General Assembly at the nearby DragaoArena, home to Porto’s basketball team, was postponed until 11.40pm before being abandoned minutes later following clashes between Ultras and Porto members.
A PSP spokesperson told Mail Sport: ‘Police will always provide continuous surveillance from the day before the sporting event until fans return home safely.
‘For the sporting event in question and in the context of the city police developed in the concentration areas, accommodation, routes and near the stadium, a model adapted to the circumstances will be implemented, integrating various aspects.
“We will highlight the police from the various police departments: Traffic Department, Criminal Investigation Department, Rapid Intervention Teams, Metropolitan Sports Information Unit and the Detached Force of the Special Police Unit.”
