Video: Portuguese fans clean stadium after World Cup match
Abdullateef Fowewe
Portuguese supporters stayed behind at Wednesday’s World Cup match against DR Congo to methodically clean seats and collect rubbish, a gesture many described as the “Japan influence”, a reference to long-noted Japanese fan behaviour of leaving stadiums spotless after matches.
Portugal, which drew 1-1 with DR Congo in a tightly contested group game that featured Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno and other stars, saw groups of fans move through their section of the stadium with trash bags and gloves, picking up wrappers, bottles and other litter left after the contest.
Short video clips circulating on social media showed orderly lines of supporters sweeping and handing full bags down the stands, mirroring the respectful cleanup routine widely associated with Japanese supporters in previous tournaments.
Football fans praised the actions as an example of sportsmanship and civic responsibility.
“It’s exactly the kind of respect we want at international tournaments,” one stadium official said.
“When visiting fans take care to leave areas clean, it makes operations easier and sets a positive example for others.”
