Expert says Richard Ríos was at risk in Benfica - Moreirense | OneFootball

Iturralde González delivered harsh criticism of the way Iancu Vasilica ignored the incident that could have put Richard Ríos in danger. According to the former referee, Fabiano Souza’s challenge on the Benfica midfielder warranted a red card, since he struck the Colombian’s leg above the ankle.

"It’s a very clear red card. Fabiano’s challenge is above Richard Ríos’ ankle, which twists and could have given way, putting the player in danger", said the former FIFA international referee, while analysing the incidents that marked matchday 31 of Liga Portugal Betclic, where Benfica beat Moreirense 4-1.

"That cannot be allowed, the most important thing is the player. A referee can miss a foul, even a penalty... What he can never fail at is safeguarding a player’s physical integrity", continued Iturralde González, in comments to Record, pointing the finger at the refereeing team’s mistake.

"They are the professionals in this spectacle and they are the ones who keep all of this going. A challenge like this cannot be allowed, the player could be ruled out for several months. It’s a textbook red card, it cannot be!", explained the former Spanish referee, stating that a disciplinary sanction should have been shown to the Moreirense player.

"There is absolutely nothing there. Otamendi feels the contact and goes down. Otamendi bears more responsibility for going to ground than Fabiano does. The Benfica player does 70% to get a penalty awarded, the Moreirense player only 30%. There is absolutely nothing there", explained Iturralde González, regarding the alleged penalty that should have been awarded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.