Irish football fan arrested after allegedly 'kicking and punching' policeman in Lisbon

Natalia Penza

An Irish football fan has been arrested after allegedly “kicking and punching” an off-duty policeman in Lisbon.

The victim, an officer with Portugal’s PSP police force, is said to have required medical assistance at the scene before being transferred to hospital.

The incident happened around 2:30am on Sunday in Cais do Sodre, a buzzing neighbourhood in the Portuguese capital known for its nightlife and historic docks.

Hours earlier, Ireland had lost their 2026 World Cup qualifier match against Roberto Martinez’s men 1-0 following a dramatic late goal by Saudi Al Hilal star Ruben Neves.

Respected Portuguese daily Correio da Manha said the alleged assailant was part of a group of Irish team fans.

The police officer hurt was reportedly assaulted twice by the same man, once before he sought help from on-duty PSP colleagues in the area and again as he went to seek assistance.

It was not immediately clear on Monday morning if the cop injured remained at Sao Jose Hospital, a public hospital serving the Greater Lisbon area.

The unnamed Irish national was expected to appear in court on Monday, although the hearing will take place behind closed doors as is normal in Portugal, where only trials take place in public.

The PSP has yet to make any official comment.

Ireland meets Armenia on Tuesday at home in another World Cup group F clash. They currently sit bottom of the group with just one point from three matches.