Braga release statement regarding match with Wolves
Braga have released a communication in response to Wolves submitting an official complaint to UEFA after their meeting in the Europa League last week.
Wolves said that they have received “an unprecedented number of complaints” regarding the match, with fans left “disappointed, distressed and in some cases injured” while entering the stadium.
Wolves also said: “these types of incidents are not what is expected when attending events organised by UEFA or its member clubs.”
In response to the statement, Braga released a communication of their own, saying that they take the safety of fans “extremely seriously” and that Braga as a football club were not to blame, or indeed being blamed, for any issues raised.
“In the statement released by the English club, at no point was responsibility attributed to SC Braga for the facts reported to Wolves by their supporters.”
“It is important to highlight the absence of occurrences within the Estadio Municipal, and that throughout the match a healthy environment prevailed, allowing fans of both teams to enjoy the game and the emotion.”
Braga did acknowledge that fan safety is paramount and will be following any developments that occur with great interest. “SC Braga takes the safety of the fans extremely seriously. In this sense, even though it has not been notified by UEFA or [that the complaints haven’t been] directed [at Braga] by Wolves, the club will follow the reports of all parties involved with interest, seeking to confirm any excessive actions by some supporters as well as the procedures adopted by the police force and security.”
Braga also emphasised that they have “extensive and successful experience with UEFA in organising games for European competition, gained over consecutive seasons of competing in major tournaments and against opponents from various countries, whose supporters have been welcomed by the club and the city.”
Braga’s clash with Wolves proved to be an enthralling one, ending 3-3 after Braga came from behind to earn a crucial point in the second half. The point saw both sides advance to the knockout stages of the competition.
The match was also overshadowed by incidents in Porto, with some Standard Liege fans causing trouble and clashing with Wolves fans in the build-up to the club’s respective matches against Guimaraes and Wolves, which could explain the additional police presence outside the Braga stadium before the match.
