Porto react to Duarte Gomes exit, demand answers: “Deep concern” | OneFootball

FC Porto reacted this morning to Duarte Gomes’ dismissal, demanding clarifications from the president of the Refereeing Council, Luciano Gonçalves, and also calling on Pedro Proença for a “deep reflection” on the current state of Portuguese refereeing.

The blue-and-white club wants an analysis of the sector’s leadership model and argues for institutional intervention to ensure stability and calm at the start of the new sporting season.

In a statement published on its official website, the Dragons also recall that, throughout last season, they had already publicly expressed reservations about the way the Refereeing Council operates, arguing that this framework contributed to instability in decisions made on the pitch.

“FC Porto is following with deep concern and dismay the facts recently made public regarding the refereeing sector and Duarte Gomes’ departure from the position of National Technical Director of Refereeing of the Portuguese Football Federation, as well as the information that the case has reportedly been referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Without prejudice to the necessary rigorous establishment of the facts by the competent authorities, and without anticipating any conclusions, the institutional seriousness of the allegations now brought to light demands transparency, accountability and urgent answers. Refereeing is an essential pillar of the credibility of competitions, and Portuguese football cannot accept silence replacing the explanations that clubs, referees, other sporting agents and fans have the right to know. Throughout last season, FC Porto made several public warnings expressing concern about the operating model of the current Refereeing Council and the way it was affecting the smooth running of competitions and creating instability in referees’ decision-making on the pitch. Time has confirmed those concerns. Therefore, FC Porto demands that the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proença, not least because of his recognized background as a leading referee, undertake a deep reflection on the state of refereeing in Portugal, an assessment of his choices to lead the sector, and institutional intervention aimed at guaranteeing the necessary calm at the start of this season’s competitions. FC Porto will await the President of the Refereeing Council, Luciano Gonçalves, to provide, as a matter of utmost urgency, all due clarifications regarding the facts now known. The credibility of competitions requires clear answers, strong institutions and refereeing above any suspicion.”

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