FC Porto has now responded to Sporting CP’s statement, which accused the club of, among other things, there being a toxic smell in the away dressing room at the Dragão Arena.
– FC Porto hereby categorically, clearly and unequivocally denies the reports made public regarding incidents allegedly occurring in the visiting team’s dressing room at the Dragão Arena, the club stated.
After a player and a coach needed medical attention and were unable to participate during this weekend’s games between Porto and Sporting, the away team released a strongly worded statement.
In it, Sporting accused Porto of there being a strong toxic smell in the dressing room, in addition to other incidents. The club also called for authorities to take action against Porto.
Porto has now responded with an equally firm denial, calling the allegations “serious, abusive and totally unfounded”.
– Given the seriousness of the allegations, FC Porto immediately contacted the Portuguese Handball Federation, to whom it categorically denied the facts in question. FC Porto also contacted the Public Security Police so that this entity could verify immediately and first-hand that there are no abnormal conditions in the visiting team’s dressing room at the Dragão Arena, the club stated.
Despite denying the allegations, Porto acknowledged that emergency services were called to the arena, stating that all necessary assistance was provided with professionalism and responsibility.
The situation has become one of the most heated off-court controversies in handball, and it remains to be seen whether any action will be taken following the statements from both clubs.