António Nobre appointed to officiate Santa Clara v Benfica after prior controversies | OneFootball

The Portuguese Football Federation’s refereeing council announced on Wednesday, 12 February, the match officials for matchday 22, with António Nobre selected to take Santa Clara v Benfica.

Nobre, from the Leiria FA, will be assisted by Nélson Pereira and Francisco Pereira. Luís Filipe is the fourth official, with Manuel Oliveira on VAR and Nuno Eiras as AVAR.

His recent appointments have drawn criticism from Benfica supporters. Last season, in the 2-2 home draw with Arouca, he awarded a penalty against Nicolás Otamendi, saying the attacker had been tripped by the defender’s head.

There was further dispute at Estádio do Bessa in the opening round of 2023/24, a 3-2 defeat to Boavista, when he dismissed former Benfica forward Petar Musa in a decision considered excessive.

Benfica play Santa Clara on Friday, 13 February, in Liga Portugal Betclic matchday 22. Kick-off is 18:30 at Estádio de São Miguel in the Azores, with the hosts led by Petit.

Source: Glorioso 1904