Disciplinary actions and significant fines have been issued following a Portuguese football match marked by a player’s violent outburst and a fan’s lit cigarette striking a security officer.
The incidents occurred during a Friday league match between Vizela and Felgueiras, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Authorities have penalized both a Felgueiras player and the clubs involved for widespread unruly behavior.
Michel, a 23-year-old attacker for Felgueiras, received a two-game suspension and fines totaling approximately $715 from the Portuguese Football Federation’s Disciplinary Council. He was ejected from the game after receiving a second yellow card in the 61st minute.
Upon leaving the field, Michel reacted to insults from Vizela supporters, responding with a derogatory remark and a gesture, according to disciplinary reports. "As he passed beneath the stand, reacting to various insults… he responded to the fans by addressing them with the expression ‘Go f*** yourself,’ making a gesture with his right arm, raising it," the report stated.
Michel’s behavior escalated on his way to the locker room. "While climbing the stairs, he elbowed the door, ultimately breaking the glass," the report detailed.
In a separate incident, a Felgueiras fan threw a lit cigarette that hit a National Republican Guard (GNR) officer, not the intended Vizela supporters. The incident occurred after a Vizela goal.
"The object in question did not hit any of the visited club’s supporters; however, it hit a GNR officer involved in the policing operation," disciplinary documents revealed. While the officer sustained no physical injuries, the lit cigarette caused ignition and damage to his protective gloves before another officer extinguished it.
Felgueiras’ club administration was fined approximately $2,271 for pyrotechnics, insulting chants targeting opponents, and the cigarette incident involving their fan.
Vizela was also fined approximately $771. Their penalties stemmed from their supporters’ inappropriate conduct, including insulting chants directed at Felgueiras and the use of pyrotechnic devices inside the venue.