Inter CEO Beppe Marotta feels that the reason for the chaos outside the Estadio do Dragao during the team’s Champions League match against Porto was that the Portuguese club did not respect pre-match agreements regarding tickets.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster TeleLombardia, via FCInterNews, Marotta explained that he believes that Porto went against the agreement that the clubs had made regarding where Inter fans would and would not be allowed to sit during the match.
Whilst Inter supporters were able to enter the do Dragao to sit in the section of the stadium specifically designated for away supporters, the real problems arose when they tried to enter the sections that were not so designated.
Though it is true that there had been an agreement that Nerazzurri supporters would be barred from entering certain sections due to legitimate security concerns, Marotta believes that Porto overreached in which sections they did not allow Inter fans into despite being legitimate ticket-holders.
“It was an unfortunate and deplorable situation, and we’ve condemned it,” the Inter CEO said.
“Today we sent a request to UEFA for there to be an investigation,” he continued.
“Furthermore, there had been a meeting held during the morning, and although there were potential problems of public order, we reached an agreement to allow the fans to enter more slowly,” Marotta stated.
“Porto were the only ones who could make a decision.”
Marotta then noted that “We also have an email from UEFA certifying this decision, which was then thrown out the window when the fans actually started to show up at the stadium.”
“Based on the UEFA regulations, a section of at least 5% of the stadium had to be reserved for Inter fans, and this was done and the tickets purchased by our fans.”
“For the sake of clarity, they stated on the website that Italian fans should not buy tickets in other sections than that, but other fans residing elsewhere in Europe were able to purchase tickets, without receiving any warnings,” Marotta notes.
“Once those tickets were purchased, it was Porto’s responsibility to deal with them, possibly even with the help of Inter, who made about fifteen match stewards available to guarantee the safety of fans.”
Marotta noted that “There were also families, mothers and children, it was nothing like the scenes in Naples [referring to travelling Eintracht Frankfurt fans causing disorder in the streets ahead of a match against Napoli], there was no threat to public order.”
In reference to the fact that the San Siro has not seen incidents such as this, Marotta said that “We believe that sport should be something that brings people together, the important thing is that everyone be guaranteed entry with the right precautions taken.”
“In this case, fans were invited to attend without banners, or shirts that could identify them.” he continued.
“Then Porto backtracked, went against what had been decided in the morning meeting between the clubs, the police force, and UEFA representatives.”
Asked if there could be action taken against Porto, Marotta replied that “The possible elements of that exist, we as a club will do everything possible to protect the interests of our fans through the correct channels.”
“We’re evaluating what the next step that we will take will be, in order to respond to this disappointment, especially for the children who were there,” the Inter CEO said.
Marotta also gave his thoughts on the Nerazzurri’s qualification for the Champions League quarterfinals, stating that “The bulk of the credit must go to everyone who was out on the pitch and to the coach, the work that they’ve done is the reason we’re seeing these results.”
“The club has to support them in the best way possible and that’s what we do, we are always present alongside them.”
“We want to put our players in a position to perform at their best without making excuses,” Marotta said.
“In this instance, they gave their all and they achieved something special, to take this club to where it belongs based on its history and trophy cabinet.”
