Police fear Utrecht ultras may ambush FC Porto fans | OneFootball

The municipal police of Utrecht have expressed concern about potential disturbances in the city center associated with the meeting between Utrecht and FC Porto, scheduled for Thursday at the Galgenwaard stadium. According to the newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, about 150 to 200 local ultras plan to confront FC Porto supporters, raising doubts about public safety.

The police chief, Johan van Hartskamp, expressed outrage at the conduct of this "known group, which spoils the event for the vast majority of fans." Van Hartskamp recalled that similar situations occurred during the UEFA Europa League match against Lyon, in the 1st round of the league phase, where authorities had difficulties controlling the disturbances. "It's great that Utrecht is playing in Europe, but unfortunately for us, the police, it's not a celebration," he lamented.

As a preventive measure, around 350 additional officers have been deployed to ensure public order. "I am very concerned about the behavior of these individuals, who seem to want nothing but violence. It's insane behavior," stated the chief of Utrecht police.

Van Hartskamp also criticized Utrecht and the fan groups, accusing them of not condemning the violent acts: "We haven't heard anything from them, not even after the injuries suffered by officers during the last confrontations. Football should be a celebration. The club has a social responsibility and must help to ban those who disrupt order."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.