UEFA announces increased security after invaders disrupt Portugal-Turkey encounter

In a statement, UEFA announced that they would be stepping up security at stadiums hosting UEFA Euro 2024 matches.  The remark is in response to many security concerns that have surfaced since the competition began. 

One such instance occurred during Portugal's 3-0 thumping of Turkey, as a steward knocked into Portuguese star Goncalo Ramos, nearly injuring him while he dealt with the game's sixth pitch invasion.

The game was interspersed with fan attempts to storm onto the field and take photos with Cristiano Ronaldo. To the satisfaction of both himself and Ronaldo, who appeared to be beaming for the photo, a young fan was the first to succeed in doing so. UEFA released a statement regarding this and what measure that they might be taking.

The statement read, 'Safety and security on the pitch, and team facilities, are the ultimate priority for UEFA, the German FA and UEFA Euro 2024 organisers. To this end additional safety measures will be deployed in stadiums to further meet requirements of the tournament and to prevent such incidents happening. For security reasons we cannot comment further on specific safety measures.'As a reminder, any incursion onto the pitch represents a breach of stadium rules and will result in an expulsion, a ban from remaining tournament matches, and the filing of a criminal report.'

Other cases of fans invading matches during UEFA Euro 2024

Stadium security was a source of concern earlier in the week when a German YouTuber appeared to have broken into the stadium housing Germany's opening match against Scotland. According to German media, Marvin Wildhage stated he had no accreditation and used a fake ID to go near the edge of the football pitch while costumed as a competition teddy bear mascot.

The 27-year-old apparently entered the Munich Arena with two other males. He has in excess of 870,000 YouTube subscribers and recorded the entire stunt. Fans have run onto the field during several other games, including Albania's 2-2 tie with Croatia.