Benfica loses patience with troublemakers, warns fans | OneFootball

Benfica issued an appeal to fans this Thursday ahead of the trip to face St. Gallen, in the first leg of the second Europa League qualifying round. In a statement, the Lisbon club reminded supporters that it is currently under a suspended sentence in European competitions and warned of the consequences of any behavior that violates UEFA regulations.

Through an official note, the Eagles thanked Benfica fans for their constant support, but called for responsibility from everyone who will be present in Switzerland: "Sport Lisboa e Benfica once again thanks the unconditional support of the thousands of Benfica fans who follow the team in every stadium, in Portugal and abroad. Their passion and enthusiasm are the club’s greatest strength and a decisive factor in victories," the club began.

Benfica stressed that any use of pyrotechnic material or other prohibited behavior could have immediate consequences for the Eagles’ supporters in UEFA competitions: "No Benfica fan wants to see Benfica deprived of the support of its fans. With that in mind, we call on all supporters to back Benfica with passion, but also with responsibility and respect for the rules, both in Portugal and beyond our borders," the statement concluded.

It should be recalled that Benfica was sanctioned by UEFA following the incidents recorded against Real Madrid in the first leg of the European competition play-off, played on February 17. European football’s governing body imposed a one-year suspended sentence and also ordered the partial closure of 500 seats in sectors 10 and 11 of the Estádio da Luz, following racist and discriminatory behavior by some supporters.

UEFA did, however, take into account Benfica’s actions, as the club identified those involved, suspended their Red Passes and launched disciplinary proceedings aimed at their possible expulsion as members, circumstances that contributed to a lighter sanction.

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