Rui Costa suspended 25 days as Benfica hit with fines after Famalicão draw | OneFootball

Benfica have been handed severe disciplinary sanctions after the 2-2 draw at Famalicão, with president Rui Costa suspended for 25 days and fined 4,210 euros for his post-match conduct towards referee Gustavo Correia.

According to Glorioso 1904, the Portuguese Football Federation’s Disciplinary Council imposed the punishments after a report recorded extremely strong language aimed at the officials, including claims of robbery, calling them a disgrace and a thief, and telling them to be ashamed.

Stewards and police reportedly had to prevent Rui Costa from approaching the match officials. He then confronted referee Fábio Silva, repeated the accusations and referred to the Casa Pia match using an expletive.

The council categorised the remarks as injurious to honour and reputation and as a calumnious denunciation.

Mário Branco, Benfica SAD’s general director, was also suspended for 20 days following the incidents.

Benfica received further fines, including 5,100 euros for failing to send a player to the flash interview and 3,876 euros for a 14 minute delay in sending José Mourinho to the quick-interview area.

Source: Glorioso 1904