- Sporting could face a UEFA fine after their fans set off fireworks on Tuesday
- The pyrotechnics exploded over David Raya’s box but no stoppage was needed
- Liverpool correspondent LEWIS STEELE tells all on bombshell chat with Mo Salah – LISTEN NOW to It’s All Kicking Off! New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Sporting Lisbon fans set off fireworks during their Champions League clash with Arsenal in a move which threatened to derail the game.
The disgruntled home supporters launched the pyrotechnics after around 25 minutes with their side trailing 2-0 at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
It was thought the game might have to be paused as they fireworks exploded over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya’s penalty area, and plumes of green and white smoke billowed over the stand, but the chaos passed without incident.
Sporting fans have a history of setting off the rockets, having done so during the Portuguese Super Cup final in August, which caused the match to be briefly stopped.
And Arsenal fan TV made light of the crackling situation on Tuesday night, writing on X: ‘David Raya getting tested by fireworks more than the Sporting attackers tonight.’
Reports on social media claimed that Arsenal fans egged on their rival supporters, chanting: ‘We want more fireworks!’
Sporting Lisbon fans launched fireworks during their Champions League clash with ARsenal
The pyrotechnics exploded over Arsenal goalkeeeper David Raya’s penalty area
The match carried on although Sporting could face a fine as a result of the behaviour
And there were fireworks in the figurative sense as the London side went to town on the Portuguese table-toppers.
Gabriel Martinelli put Mikel Arteta’s side 1-0 up after seven minutes before Kai Havertz doubled the lead and Gabriel headed home a third on the stroke of half-time.
Sporting drew the score back to 3-1 early in the second half via a Goncalo Inacio goal, but Bukayo Saka restored Arsenal’s three-goal from the penalty spot.
Sporting could face a UEFA fine after the fireworks were let off.
More to follow.
