Female Wales supporters have reported "intrusive and inappropriate searches" at the UEFA Nations League match against Portugal at José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, with hundreds of Welsh fans travelling to watch the game live.
Several women said they felt "violated, intimidated and unsafe" when security staff conducted searches on entering the stadium. A woman from Cardiff, who asked to remain anonymous, told Wales Online that female security guards searched her in a manner she described as "completely inappropriate".
She said: "The whole experience was awful. We went into the stadium and they asked to search your bag. So, the woman searched my bag, and all I had in my handbag was my phone, my inhaler, my makeup brush, blusher, lipstick, money, and a little fan to go on my phone."
Fans describe feeling 'violated'
"She searched my bag, and she searched me. It was completely inappropriate, literally all the way down, touched my breasts and down below. There was no need for it. There was completely no need. My boyfriend saw it, he went, 'Are you all right?' and I said, 'No, it's disgusting.'"
She added: "I was just violated, it was just awful, and this other woman was next to me and she'd experienced the same thing. I said, 'it wasn't just me, was it' and she said, 'No, I feel exactly the same'. It was just completely inappropriate. I can't even put it into words to be perfectly honest. I'm just gutted. Not just for me, but for the other women that have experienced the same thing."
The woman said security took her to one side, went through her handbag and attempted to confiscate it due to her make-up brush. Many attendees complained that their possessions were taken off them by security. She complained twice at the time and plans to make a formal complaint when she returns home to Wales.
Another fan shares her experience
Emma, who also attended the game, said: "This was my first away game and I felt very violated." She described how security searched her, including placing hands on her ribs and pushing up until she was holding the underside of her breasts, causing her breast to fall out from under her bra. She also said security tried to remove the rubber bung from her crutches, which she uses due to spinal arthritis and drop foot in her left foot, and eventually had to dismantle them to allow inspection.
"Once they waved me through, my husband and I put the crutches back together, then I went straight to the bathroom to sort my clothing out and put everything back in the right place," she said. "I have been to loads of home games and never been treated that way, it felt very over the top and unnecessary and I feel sad for all the woman that it happened too, it really changed everyone's experience."
She added: "I feel that an apology from the organisers of the event staff is needed. It won't change how it left many of us feeling but it's an acknowledgment that they have failed to treat us with dignity."
Appeals for reports and investigation
In a post on Friday, September 25, the Facebook page We Are Wales appealed to Welsh football fans in Portugal to come forward if they experienced or witnessed anything that caused concern. The post said: "We have been made aware of concerning reports from female Wales supporters who say they were subjected to intrusive and inappropriate searches while entering the stadium. If you experienced similar treatment, or witnessed anything that caused concern, please report it directly to Fan Embassy Wales."
Speaking on behalf of Football Supporters' Association (FSA) Cymru, Paul Corkrey said Welsh fans enjoyed their time in Portugal and the people were friendly until issues arose when searches were conducted entering the stadium. He said: "We understand the ground regulations but this was excessive, and no warning was given to us to relay to the fans. A lot of personal items were taken and some of the females were complaining of intrusive searches around areas of their body which made them feel embarrassed, angry and afraid in some cases."
He added that FSA Cymru will write to Football Supporters Europe, who have sent a survey for fans to fill in, with results going directly to UEFA. A spokesperson for the Football Association of Wales (FAW) said: "The FAW is aware of alleged issues with fan treatment at the José Alvalade Stadium for our UEFA Nations League match against Portugal last night. The FAW are investigating this matter with FSA Cymru and will be in contact with FPF (Portugese Football Federation) and UEFA."
Wales Online has approached The Portuguese Football Federation for comment.
