"It's dangerous" - Roberto Martinez hits out at pitch invaders after Cristiano Ronaldo was mobbed by fan in Portugal vs Turkey clash
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez criticized pitch invaders following Cristiano Ronaldo getting approached by fans multiple times during Portugal's Euro 2024 game against Turkey. The Spaniard believes it could be dangerous if someone with ill-intentions enters the pitch.
Speaking to the press following the pitch invasion incident in the game against Turkey, Martinez said that he was not comfortable with the occurence. When asked how Ronaldo has dealt with pitch invasions, he replied (via Ojogo):
"He's a very experienced player, he knows very well the support of fans, not just Portuguese, but football. I hope there are no invasions, it's not good, it's dangerous."
Portugal will next face Georgia in their final group game at Euro 2024 and Martinez has confirmed that Ronaldo will start in the encounter. Roberto Martinez will hope the legendary forward can stay safe and the authorities tighten security to prevent pitch invasions.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez believes Cristiano Ronaldo's record-breaking assist should be played in academies
Roberto Martinez hailed Cristiano Ronaldo's assist to Bruno Fernandes in his side's 3-0 victory over Turkey in their second match at Euro 2024. The legendary forward unselfishly squared the ball to the Manchester United captain to score and wrap up the win for his nation.
The assist was Ronaldo's seventh at the European Championships, making him the player with most assists at the Euros. During his post-match press conference, Martinez hailed the unselfishness the striker showed in the moment, saying (via FotMob):
"We saw something extraordinary, in front of the goalkeeper, he gave it to Bruno Fernandes. He is an example that should be shown in every academy in Portugal and throughout the world of football, he showed the team is the most important thing."
Cristiano Ronaldo is playing in what could be his final appearance for his nation at the Euros. The striker turns 40 soon and might not make the next edition of the tournament.
The Al-Nassr star could set a new record as the oldest goalscorer in the history of the tournament if he scores in the ongoing edition. His countrymen will be keen to return the favor and help etch his name in the history books following his unselfishness against Turkey.