Hand-picked: Alverca v Sporting ref has poor record vs Lions | OneFootball

The Arbitration Council of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced last Wednesday, March 18, the refereeing team appointed for the 27th round of Liga Portugal Betclic. João Pinheiro was chosen to officiate the match between Sporting and Alverca.

The referee from the Braga Football Association was elected as the main referee for the duel and will be assisted by Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia. Bruno Vieira will be the fourth official, while the VAR will have the contribution of João Malheiro Pinto. Pedro Sancho will be the AVAR.

The history of João Pinheiro officiating Sporting is not at all favorable to the lions. Out of a total of 34 matches officiated by the AF Braga referee, the green and whites have only won 14 times, drawn eleven, and lost on nine other occasions.

The most recent complaint Sporting has against João Pinheiro dates back to the derby of the penultimate round of the last 2024/25 season, against Benfica, at Estádio da Luz, which ended in a one-all draw. The referee forgave a clear expulsion for Nicolás Otamendi, right at the 17th minute of the match. The lions ended up postponing the conquest of the championship for the last round.

The green and white emblem will return to the field next Sunday, March 22, against Alverca. The match, counting for the 27th round of Liga Portugal Betclic, against the team led by Custódio Castro, will be played at 6:00 PM, at the opponent's ground.

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