SPORTING LISBON’S league clash against Benfica was temporarily suspended after fans threw flares onto the pitch.
The game is expected to be captain Bruno Fernandes’ last with a move to Manchester United imminent.
Sporting Lisbon’s clash against Benfica was temporarily suspended after flares were thrown on the pitchCredit: Reuters
Smoke billowed out onto the pitchCredit: SPORT TV 1
The flares thrown out caused chaosCredit: SPORT TV 1
The game was halted for six minutesCredit: SPORT TV 1
The objects were believed to have been thrown by Sporting fansCredit: SPORT TV 1
One attempts to pick up a flare and remove it from the pitchCredit: SPORT TV 1
But some Sporting fans were adamant they would become the talking point of the game as they lobbed flares onto the pitch.
The fixture was halted for SIX minutes before the match was resumed – with Fernandes’ Sporting losing 2-0.
In January last year Sporting fans set fire to their own stadium seats as they welcomed their team emerging from the tunnel for a heated clash with FC Porto.
The flames were quickly put out as the classic finished with a goalless draw, observed from the Dragons bench by Real Madrid legend Pepe.
On this occasion photos revealed TV cameras caught fire after being hit by the flares.
Sporting and Benfica players were forced to wait until the flares were put out before the match could carry on.
Sporting skipper Fernandes started the match, playing in front of his fans for the last time as United look to rush through a deal for the midfielder which would see them pay Sporting £34million down with a further £25.5m add-ons depending on performance.
But SunSport understands the Portuguese club fear they would get nowhere near to receiving the full £60m package because Ed Woodward has linked so many payments to achievements that are unlikely to happen.
Among the factors that would trigger bonuses are United winning the Premier League and the Champions League.
And another add-on laid down by United was a payment should midfielder Fernandes, 25, win the Ballon d’Or for the best footballer in the world.
Sporting fear United are so far behind in terms of squad strength there is only a small chance they would be able to win the domestic or European title during the duration of Fernandes’ contract.
And few would be willing to venture the Portugal international would go on to become the best player on the planet in that time either.
Instead they want United to increase the down-payment to guarantee they get closer to receiving their valuation of £60m.
One of the problems the club have is that because they borrowed against the future sale of Fernandes last summer, technically speaking it means they are only due to clear around 50 per cent of any fee that is paid.
So for them to be able to sell to their own supporters the loss of one of their favourite players, they need to show they have banked a respectable amount of money.
United were hoping to drive Sporting down knowing they are in need of money, but it appears they are finding the club firm in their belief they will not be forced to sell on the cheap.
A total package of £60.5m is thought to be enough to be able to get the deal over the line, but it now all comes down to United being prepared to guarantee a bigger chunk of the money.
Fernandes is expected to settle on wages of around £120,000-a-week to move to Old Trafford.
Sporting skipper Fernandes started the match, playing in front of his fans for the last timeCredit: EPA
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
