Benfica fined 22,922 euros after Arouca fire that disrupted broadcast and VAR | OneFootball

Benfica have been fined 22,922 euros after a fire in the away section during their 2-1 win at Arouca on 14 March, in the 26th round of Liga Portugal Betclic.

The federation's Disciplinary Council said the sum includes 10,720 euros to repair a transmission cable, plus a further 7,650 in fines.

The blaze started after Benfica's second goal at 90+6 minutes, in a sector fully occupied by their supporters. A damage report, agreed by both clubs, listed a burned advertising tarpaulin, a seat and television cables.

The TV producer informed league delegates that the broadcast lost master and close-up cameras, the left-side offside angle and the commentators' audio, which in turn affected the VAR system. Firefighters also reported difficulty reaching the area because the stand was densely packed.

Benfica were additionally fined 1,910 euros for pyrotechnics and 710 for supporters chanting 'gatuno' at referee José Bessa of AF Porto. Arouca must pay 700 euros for unauthorised objects, namely pyrotechnics.

Source: Glorioso 1904