Experts review João Pinheiro’s call in Benfica v Santa Clara | OneFootball

Last night, September 12, Benfica returned to competition and, as has been recurring after an international break, slipped in their objectives. However, despite the draw that occurred in the final minutes, after a mistake by Nicolás Otamendi, one of the highlights was the expulsion of Paulo Victor, for touching the studs of his boots to the face of Tomás Araújo.

The incident in question occurred at the 34th minute, still during the first half of the match, at a time when the score was still nil-nil. In a ball dispute, the number 44 of the reds tried to head the ball, but ended up being hit in the head with the opponent's studs.

In an initial analysis, João Pinheiro, the referee of the match, considered it a foul for a yellow card, however, alerted by the VAR, the judge from AF of Braga changed his decision and expelled the Santa Clara player, causing a wave of protest for the decision that had been made by the match official.

Despite some disagreement, there are those who argue that João Pinheiro's decision was the most correct, as explained by Marco Ferreira, specialist of the Record newspaper: “Paulo Victor stretches his leg, in the ball dispute, ending up hitting Tomás Araújo's face as he tried to head the ball. Gross foul putting the opponent's physical integrity at risk. Good intervention from VAR. Free kick and red card well shown”.

In the newspaper A Bola, Pedro Henriques, resident expert of the sports daily, defends the same position held by the man from Braga: “With the indications given, and reinforced weekly by the Refereeing Council, for studs, high feet, and in areas like face, head, in this case even body, that put the opponent's physical integrity at risk, it's a gross foul and a red card”.

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