Violence erupts on Lisbon streets as Rangers fans arrive in city for Benfica clash
A huge brawl broke out on the streets of Lisbon last night - just hours before Rangers are set to take on Benfica in the Portuguese capital.
The violence, which saw weapon-wielding thugs trading blows outside a hotel in the city, was caught on camera and shared on social media.
It is not known if football fans from either of the teams were involved in the ugly scenes.
It's understood casuals who support Italian team Atalanta were in the area following their 1-1 draw with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon in the same competition.
Footage shared on X, formerly Twitter, shows men with their hoods up, or wearing balaclavas, used their belts to inflict blows on rivals as fist fights took place in a square in a shopping district.
Shouts of "come on then!" could be heard in the footage. Another clip showed a gang of more than 20 clad in black and wearing hats and balaclavas attacking a hotel.
A crowd of rival fans then poured out, causing the attacking gang to retreat.
Sirens could be heard in the background of one video, while the reflection of a blue flashing light could be seen in the other, but no police officers or vehicles were captured in the clips.
Philippe Clement's side are due to take on Benfica at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica at 8pm tonight. Portuguese police have been approached for comment.
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