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A confrontation broke out between Antwerp and Porto fans in downtown Porto on Monday evening, on the eve of the two teams’ Champions League match. The police had to intervene and many hospitality establishments were forced to close their doors, according to Portuguese media.
About 300 Antwerp supporters stormed the city center on Monday and overturned tables and chairs in several stands, according to local sources. A square in the city center had to be closed, and the police, who arrived at the scene, fired rubber bullets. Pictures circulated on social media showed clashes between fans of the two teams. Dozens were also reported to have been arrested.
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These altercations are not entirely surprising, as the atmosphere was already tense during the first leg two weeks ago in Possel (a match Antwerp lost 1-4). About two dozen masked Antwerp fans tried to enter Porto’s stadium after the final whistle, forcing police to intervene using water cannons.
