ROBERTO Martinez tonight expressed his unhappiness at the breach of security during Portugal’s game against Scotland at Hampden and admitted he was worried for his iconic captain Cristiano Ronaldo when a fan ran towards him.
A supporter jumped over the advertising hoardings, invaded the pitch and attempted to get a selfie with global football superstar Ronaldo towards the end of the Nations League encounter.
He was wrestled to the ground by two stewards before he managed to get to the former Manchester United and Juventus forward and was then escorted off the field to loud boos from the home crowd.
However, Martinez, whose men were held to a 0-0 draw by their hosts in the Group A1 fixture, confessed that he was disappointed to see another unfortunate incident involving his world-famous captain during a match.
“Unfortunately, it has happened too many times,” said the former Motherwell player. “It is not the first time. During the European Championships we had many, many occasions.
“Of course, we know what Cristiano brings to the game. We understand that. But when you have someone jumping on the pitch with the wrong intentions, it is very dangerous. I was worried. I am glad it was just like what it was.”
A visibly upset Ronaldo stormed up the tunnel gesticulating wildly with his arms immediately after the final whistle and did not applaud the travelling supporters along with his Portugal team mates.
Matinez refused to condemn the 39-year-old for his actions because he did not witness his skipper's response to the result. “I wasn't aware,” he said. “I can't really answer that. I will find out. I can't answer that.”
Meanwhile, the Spaniard praised the Scotland performance in the game against his Portugal team and lauded the job which his opposite number Steve Clarke has done during his time in charge of his country.
“I think Steve Clarke is building a national team that looks like a club,” he said. “That is a big compliment. Everybody works for each other. They know the structure. They are brave when they have to be. They have quick attacks.
“They have a lot of quality. Scottish players playing abroad and that makes a big difference. Playing in the Serie A and getting experience in the Premier League is a very good thing.
“They beat the European champions here and that was not by coincidence or accident. Full credit to Steve Clarke and the technical staff. They are doing a great job.”
