Santa Clara clarify ban imposed on Benfica fans | OneFootball

Even before the kickoff of the 22nd round match, some news began to circulate regarding Santa Clara's behavior towards Benfica fans. It was found that the Azorean team prohibited Benfica supporters from displaying items related to the Clube da Luz in the stands of the São Miguel stadium.

According to the newspaper Record, the Azorean club informed Benfica fans that this was a common practice. However, the situation itself caused some surprise, as the said fans, who were in the central stand of the venue, had purchased their tickets through Benfica's official website.

Nevertheless, the management of Santa Clara, by prohibiting the display of items related to Benfica, only explained that it was a common practice, without providing more specific context to justify this ban. However, it is important to note that the venue was surrounded by a "red wave," since red is also a color associated with the island's emblem.

It is worth remembering that Benfica returned to Portugal with three more points in their pocket, after defeating the local team by two goals to one. On Benfica's side, a goal by Pavlidis and an own goal by Paulo Victor propelled José Mourinho's team. Meanwhile, Gonçalo Paciência reduced the deficit for Santa Clara.

Remember that Benfica managed to secure three more important points, keeping the Eagles in the fight for the Liga Portugal Betclic title. After 22 rounds, the Clube da Luz is in third place, with 52 points, the same as Sporting (second place) and four points behind Porto, however, the rivals still have to face Famalicão and Nacional, respectively.

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