Famalicão - Benfica leaves Rui Costa out of pocket, and more | OneFootball

The Portuguese Football Federation’s Disciplinary Board handed Benfica heavy sanctions following the huge controversy surrounding the draw against Famalicão (2-2). Rui Costa was ultimately suspended for 25 days and also fined €4,210 after making harsh criticism of referee Gustavo Correia at the end of the match.

According to the disciplinary report, the Benfica president used very strong language against the refereeing team. Among the statements recorded were accusations such as "This is a robbery!", "You’re a disgrace!", "Shame on you!" and also "Thief! You’re a thief!". The Disciplinary Board ruled that the comments fell under the category of "damage to honor and reputation and slanderous accusation".

The report also states that Rui Costa had to be prevented from physically approaching the refereeing team by stadium stewards and police officers present at the scene. In addition, the Eagles’ leader also reportedly approached referee Fábio Silva with further criticism, saying: "This is a disgrace! It was a robbery! It was the same shit against Casa Pia".

However, Rui Costa was not the only Benfica figure punished after the match in Famalicão. Mário Branco, Benfica SAD’s general director, was also subject to disciplinary proceedings and was ultimately suspended for 20 days. The atmosphere after the final whistle is therefore still having serious consequences within Benfica’s structure.

Benfica were also fined over other incidents related to the post-match period. The Eagles will have to pay €5,100 for failing to send any player to the flash interview, plus another €3,876 due to the 14-minute delay in sending José Mourinho to the quick-interview area.

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