Cristiano Ronaldo’s safety ’a concern’ after Portugal’s win is marred by Euro 2024 pitch invaders

23 June 2024 , 07:36

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s safety ’a concern’ after Portugal’s win is marred by Euro 2024 pitch invaders

Portugal boss Robert Martinez expressed concerns about the safety of his players after several fans got onto the pitch to seek a selfie with Cristiano Ronaldo during and immediately after Portugal’s 3-0 win over Turkey in Dortmund on Saturday.

Portugal captain Ronaldo posed for a selfie with a young boy with around 20 minutes left to play, but five others later made it on to the pitch in an apparent attempt to take a picture with the visibly unhappy Al-Nassr star..

Man of the match Bernardo Silva brushed off the incidents, saying it was ‘the price we pay for being so recognised in the world of football and having a player like him (Ronaldo) with us’. 

Martinez, however, said the pitch invasions left the players exposed and should have been prevented by security staff.

‘It’s a concern because today we were lucky that the intentions of the fans were good,’ he told reporters.

‘I think we all love a fan that recognises that big star and the big icons … but you can understand that there is a very, very difficult moment if those intentions are wrong.’

The incidents largely overshadowed an impressive performance by a Portugal side who are now guaranteed to go through to the last 16 as group winners.

Stewards take a pitch invader off the pitch after attempting to get a picture with Cristiano Ronaldo (Picture: Getty)

Cristiano Ronaldo is frustrated by another fan who wants to take a picture with him (Picture: Getty)

Although he failed to get on the scoresheet, Ronaldo did create his side’s third goal, converted by Bruno Fernandes, and in the process became the most prolific assister in European Championship history.

‘The goal for me, for Cristiano, and for everyone, is to win matches, not to score goals,’ said United captain Fernandes afterwards.

‘Our goal is to win. The most important thing is to win every game. We want to beat Georgia so we can be in good shape. Playing for Portugal means winning every game.

‘Obviously everyone loves and wants to score goals, but that is not the most important thing, and that is reflected in my goal, because Cris is our best goalscorer and in the moment of opportunity to score he gives the ball to the side, and that shows the meaning that this has for us, which is to win games not scoring goals.’ 

Martinez added: ‘Cristiano Ronaldo passing the ball to Bruno Fernandes for the final goal was amazing.’

Thomas Brown