Sporting Lisbon fans cause chaos with fireworks during Arsenal clash

Sporting Lisbon fans set off fireworks during their Champions League match against Arsenal, a move that threatened to derail the match.

The disgruntled home fans launched the fireworks after about 25 minutes with a 2-0 deficit at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

It was thought the match may have to be stopped after fireworks exploded above Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya's penalty area.

Plumes of green and white smoke billowed over the stands, but the chaos passed without incident.

Sporting could face a fine from UEFA after the fireworks were set off.

And Arsenal fan TV made light of the sizzling situation on Tuesday evening, writing on X: 'David Raya will be tested more by fireworks tonight than Sporting's attackers.'

Posts on social media claimed Arsenal fans were egging on their rival supporters, chanting: 'We want more fireworks!'

Sports fans have a history of firing missiles after doing so during the Portuguese Super Cup final in August, briefly halting the match. And there were figurative fireworks on the pitch as Arsenal took on the Portuguese toppers.

Gabriel Martinelli gave Mikel Arteta's side a 1-0 lead inside seven minutes when he outwitted marker Geovany Quenda and converted Jurrien Timber's cross.

And Arsenal doubled their lead after 22 minutes when Thomas Partey played a lovely pass to Bukayo Saka, who poked the ball past goalkeeper Franco Israel for Kai Havertz to finish.

Just as Sporting needed the half-time whistle, more penalties from the Gunners followed as Gabriel headed home from Declan Rice's corner for his first Champions League goal.

Goncalo Inacio gave Sporting hope of resurrection when he pulled a goal back early in the second half with a powerful volley past Raya.

But Bukayo Saka stepped up from the penalty spot after 65 minutes to make it 4-1 with aplomb.

To rub salt in the wound, Leandro Trossard added a fifth on 82 minutes when he stormed Israel's defense after Mikel Merino's effort and finished, causing Sporting fans to clear the stands early.