Towel Theft and Hidden Balls Mar Porto vs. Sporting Lisbon Derby

The highly anticipated match between Porto and visitors Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Primeira Liga was marred by unusual incidents that overshadowed the 1-1 draw and sparked widespread controversy in Portuguese sports circles.

According to press reports, the atmosphere at the Estádio do Dragão witnessed a series of controversial events that extended beyond the flow of play on the pitch.

Among these incidents was the disappearance of Sporting goalkeeper Rui Silva's towels, which he used to clean his gloves in the rainy weather. It was reported that some stadium staff deliberately took them in an attempt to disrupt the goalkeeper's concentration.

As the match neared its conclusion, it was also observed that ball boys "hid" some balls in the final minutes, which slowed down the restart of play and potentially hindered a quick attack for Sporting, a move that drew widespread protests from fans.

The incidents did not stop there. Some sources circulated photos showing unusual changes in the locker rooms after the match, such as the ventilation system being set to a high temperature that could not be adjusted by the visiting team. Additionally, motivational prints and photos showcasing Porto's past achievements were present, which some considered an attempt to psychologically affect Sporting's players.

Despite all these obstacles, Sporting Lisbon managed to secure a point from Porto's stronghold, scoring the equalizer in the 90+10th minute.