Referee chief Gonçalves warns Benfica: “We won’t change approach” | OneFootball

Luciano Gonçalves, president of the Refereeing Council of the Portuguese Football Federation, commented this Thursday on Benfica's recent criticisms regarding the match against Alverca, related to the fourth round of the I Liga.

The referee of the match, José Bessa, from AF Porto, was the focus of the attention of the club's officials.

At the end of the game, in statements to journalists, Mário Branco, general director of football at the Luz club, criticized the way the match was conducted in Ribatejo, which resulted in the expulsion, at 70', of the Eagles' right-back, Amar Dedic, due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

“Just because someone didn't understand our messages doesn't mean we will change the strategy. It's not a topic I am concerned about. Each director will know their strategy. The important thing is to follow our line of greater openness with the clubs and all stakeholders,” emphasized the official, in an interview with Antena 1, ensuring that “the refereeing does not hide.”

Regarding the improvement of the refereeing staff and the homogeneous application of criteria, Luciano Gonçalves added: “We are making the biggest investment ever made in refereeing,” setting as a goal the presence of Portuguese referees at the 2026 World Cup, organized by the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada:

“I will be frustrated if that doesn't happen, that's what we are working towards. We must not forget that only nine European referees will be present, but it will be frustrating for me and my team if it doesn't happen.”

João Gonçalves praised

The fourth round of the I Liga was also marked by the first Classic of the season, which pitted Sporting against FC Porto. The debutant João Gonçalves, from AF Porto, officiated the match in Alvalade and received praise.

“It was a successful bet. I liked it a lot. He showed that he is a referee with many capabilities and a future. Like João Gonçalves, we will have others who will have the opportunity to referee classics, derbies, and games involving the main clubs. All referees must be in a position to referee any type of game. Otherwise, they cannot be in the professional championships,” concluded Luciano Gonçalves.

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