Manteigas cites Apito Dourado in rebuke of Proença over Benfica peace call | OneFootball

Former Benfica presidential candidate João Diogo Manteigas has hit out at Pedro Proença’s call for a reset, insisting there are no conditions yet for peace between the club and Portuguese football’s authorities. He responded after Proença expressed a wish to see the national team return to Estádio da Luz.

According to Glorioso 1904, Proença, an FPF official, spoke of bringing the parties closer and of hosting the Seleção at Benfica’s stadium again. Manteigas answered on social media.

He argued any rapprochement must first address what he sees as outstanding issues between Benfica and the current Refereeing Council. He said peace would only follow once, in his view, the club is no longer harmed on and off the pitch by officiating reminiscent of the Apito Dourado and Apito Final eras.

Manteigas went further by alluding to Porto and to cases that have marked the game in Portugal. He suggested the present reality could satisfy supporters of a club once convicted of sporting corruption.

He closed by saying Benfica continues to face resistance to its growing social reach and influence. The intervention comes amid heightened tension following the Clássico against Porto. Benfica have stepped up criticism of refereeing and filed a submission to the Disciplinary Council after incidents at the Dragão.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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