A major row appears to have erupted over the treatment of Gibraltar supporters, with some claiming they were virtually strip-searched by Portuguese security staff before their qualifying opener against Poland earlier this month at the Algarve Stadium.
According to the UK press, the Gibraltar Football Association was “utterly appalled” with the treatment by the Portuguese contracted security company on supporters and is considering alternative venues, including London, for qualifying games with Georgia, Germany, Republic of Ireland and Scotland.
It is reported that Gibraltar security chief Louis Wink has already told his association they need to change the security staff at the Algarve Stadium, and if an agreement with the ground owners is not reached, then they should move their games.
One female fan said: “I was utterly disgusted by the way the Portuguese security treated us. I was searched from head to bottom, even my breasts and my buttocks were touched.”
The Group D qualifying match was considered high-risk because of the previous antics of hardcore Polish fans, particularly when Poles let off fireworks during the win over Gibraltar. A UEFA probe is now expected.
Unless ground owners agree to the deal, then Gibraltar could well be on the move … to England, where a strong fan base awaits them.
Louis Wink has stated that hundreds of travelling fans, who totalled around 800, had complained about the “degrading manner” security staff conducted searches on fans entering the stadium. A representative of the Gibraltar Supporters said: “If this is not stopped, we will not travel anymore to Faro … we travel to enjoy the game and support our national team.”
Gibraltar security chief Louis Wink is apparently in discussions with an alternative security company to take over the stadium’s security duties for Gibraltar’s next home match with Georgia on October 14.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
