- 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.
Plumes of green and white smoke billowed over the stand, but the chaos passed without incident.
Sporting could face a UEFA fine after the fireworks were let off.
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 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 there were fireworks in the figurative sense on the pitch as Arsenal went to town on the Portuguese table-toppers.
Gabriel Martinelli put Mikel Arteta’s side 1-0 up inside seven minutes as he outfoxed marker Geovany Quenda to seize on Jurrien Timber’s cross.
And Arsenal doubled their lead after 22 minutes as Thomas Partey lofted a lovely pass through to Bukayo Saka, who poked the ball beyond goalkeeper Franco Israel for Kai Havertz to finish.
Just when Sporting needed the half-time whistle, there came more punishment from the Gunners as Gabriel headed home from Declan Rice’s corner for his first Champions League goal.
Goncalo Inacio gave Sporting hope of resurrection when he pulled back a goal with a powerful volley beyond Raya early in the second half.
But Bukayo Saka stepped up from the penalty spot after 65 minutes and finished with aplomb to make it 4-1.
To rub salt in the wound, Leandro Trossard added a fifth after 82 minutes, as he pounced on Israel’s parry from Mikel Merino’s effort and finished – leaving Sporting fans emptying the stands early.
More to follow.
