In response to a series of pitch invasions during Portugal's Euro 2024 match against Turkey, UEFA has announced a significant increase in security measures for the remainder of the tournament.
The decision comes after six fans attempted to take selfies with Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, disrupting the game on multiple occasions.
The incidents, which occurred during Portugal's 3-0 victory, saw German referee Felix Zwayer forced to pause the game four times as fans ran onto the pitch towards Ronaldo.
Two additional fans attempted to reach the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, prompting UEFA to take immediate action to prevent further disruptions.
UEFA, in collaboration with the German Football Association (DFB), has prioritized safety and security for players, officials, and spectators at Euro 2024.
The new measures, which have not been detailed for security reasons, aim to enhance safety within stadiums and prevent unauthorized access to the pitch.
A UEFA spokesperson informed ESPN that "the safety and security within the stadium, on the pitch, and at team facilities are of paramount importance to UEFA and Euro 2024."
Additional safety measures will be deployed in the stadiums to further meet the requirements of the tournament and prevent such incidents."
The move reflects UEFA's commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all involved in the prestigious tournament, emphasizing that the focus should remain on the sport rather than security breaches.
