The Portuguese government said on Monday authorities must learn from their mistakes after a decision to allow thousands of English football fans to party in the streets of Porto for Saturday’s Champions League final. has drawn criticism from some lawmakers.

“Every day, unfortunately, there are people who do not play by the rules, but that does not mean that the rules are illegitimate,” Prime Minister Antonio Costa told reporters, admitting that the event “did not happen. is not unrolled perfectly “.

“It is clear that what happened this weekend cannot serve as an example, it has to serve as a lesson,” Costa said, adding that the authorities should work to provide more information to tourists about the measures they must adopt during their vacation.

Meanwhile, Portuguese Health Minister Marta Temido said: “I am sure that at present all Portuguese know that there is a set of rules that we must continue to follow and that to others not respecting them should not be an alibi. “

Previously, the government had been criticized by some lawmakers for sending conflicting COVID-19 messages ahead of the game, in which Chelsea beat Manchester City 1-0.

In the days leading up to Saturday’s final, large crowds of English fans, largely without masks and without social distancing, took to the streets of Porto to drink and sing the team’s slogans. Read more

“The government and the mayor of Porto should apologize to the Portuguese, who, deprived of so much, watch this shame in the midst of the fight against the pandemic,” opposition leader Rui Rio wrote on Twitter.

However, precautions were taken which required all fans to test negative for COVID-19 upon arrival in Portugal, which is on the UK government’s ‘green’ list allowing tourists to visit without quarantining at their return.

ABSOLUTELY CONTRADICTORY

Portugal suffered a devastating COVID-19 outbreak earlier this year and masks are still mandatory outdoors if people cannot observe social distancing. Drinking in public places outside authorized terraces remains prohibited.

Some 16,500 spectators have been allowed into Dragao stadium, shocking locals who have been banned from attending matches for months. Many other English fans have come to the city to support their teams on the sidelines.

Francisco Rodrigues dos Santos, leader of the right-wing Portuguese CDS party, also criticized the government, saying it “took an absolutely contradictory and inconsistent approach”.

“The organization of the Champions League final has given Portugal a bad image and will have unforeseeable consequences on public health,” he added.

Last week, a police source said Reuters authorities had not had enough time to fully prepare for the final, with UEFA only announcing that it would move the event to Porto from Istanbul ago. about two weeks.

Portuguese authorities decided to relax COVID-19 rules for the match last week, no longer asking supporters to stay in “bubbles” and lifting movement restrictions. Read more

“It is not understandable to allow an event (to take place) that is not allowed by the majority of the citizens of this country,” said Catarina Martins, leader of the Left Bloc.

Some health experts fear the Portuguese may be less willing to take preventive measures against coronaviruses.

Health officials in the northern region of Portugal on Sunday called on everyone approaching the Champions League celebrations to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and reduce contact with others over the next 14 days. Read more

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