Surprise, surprise! João Pinheiro named for Sporting v Benfica | OneFootball

João Pinheiro has been chosen to referee the important derby of the 30th round of Liga Portugal Betclic, which will pit Sporting against Benfica at Alvalade. The information was released late in the afternoon on Wednesday, April 15, through the official sources of the Refereeing Council of the Portuguese Football Federation.

"João Pinheiro, a referee from the Braga FA, has been appointed by the Refereeing Council of the Portuguese Football Federation to officiate Sporting-Benfica in the 30th round of Liga Betclic. The match will be played at the José Alvalade Stadium at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19," reads the statement issued by the Lisbon club on its website announcing the appointment.

In the same statement, Benfica also revealed the names of the remaining members of the refereeing team who will be present at Alvalade. Alongside João Pinheiro will be assistants Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia. The role of fourth official will be carried out by Miguel Fonseca.

From the City of Football in Oeiras, João Pinheiro will be supported by Rui Costa, who will serve as VAR for the match between the Lions and the Eagles. Alongside the experienced referee, José Bessa will act as AVAR. It is worth recalling that, in the derby played at the Luz, the match was officiated by António Nobre.

Benfica and Sporting will headline the big match of round 30 of the league, scheduled for this Sunday, April 19, at 6:00 p.m., at the José Alvalade Stadium. At the moment, the Reds are fighting to reach second place, currently occupied by the Lions. With the derby fast approaching, José Mourinho has some doubts in the squad.

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