It seems Benfica are a little bit worried about their fans’ behaviour ahead of the game against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The club have released an official statement on their website in which they advise them of things that shouldn’t be done at the ground.
There’s clearly a big concern about pyrotechnics, as despite thanking fans for supporting the team, Benfica say flares shouldn’t be used. The Portuguese club point out UEFA will be watching closely and any mistake could stop the club from playing at the Estádio da Luz.
But flares aren’t the only thing they advise against, as they also mention the risk of racist and xenophobic actions.
Benfica fans don’t have a bad reputation, but the club seems worried, especially because of their recent form and other events that have been getting big coverage in the Portuguese media lately.
Besides the cases of Lazio and Tottenham which recently made it to the news, Benfica are probably concerned with what happened to league rivals Braga. As the Northern club’s fans were accused of racism during the match against Ludogorets, UEFA punished them by closing a stand of the stadium.
Benfica want to make sure there’s no such trouble against Manchester United.
