João Diogo Manteigas backs Benfica and attacks Gustavo Correia appointment after shame row | OneFootball

João Diogo Manteigas has sided with Benfica in condemning the appointment of Gustavo Correia for Gil Vicente v Rio Ave in the first round of Liga Portugal Betclic.

According to Glorioso 1904, the former Benfica presidential candidate criticised the Portuguese Football Federation’s Refereeing Council over the decision.

He contended the case involving the referee was reclassified from a very serious offence, falsifying a refereeing report, to a light infraction because intent was not proven. He said that even after what he called a shameful episode, and against the spirit of the regulations, the council still selected Correia for a first-round match.

Manteigas added that the official was only reprimanded for lying.

He also challenged Rui Costa’s board, asking whether Benfica will keep waiting for a meeting with the FPF or act to change Portuguese football and what he described as the impunity of those in charge.

Benfica have formally lodged a complaint with the FPF over Correia’s selection for Gil Vicente v Rio Ave. The dispute stems from events in Famalicão, where CCTV footage contradicted the referee’s account of Mário Branco’s behaviour, an episode that continues to fuel debate.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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