Benfica to appeal Mourinho ban and criticise Lucho González | OneFootball

Benfica will appeal the sanctions imposed on José Mourinho after the match against Porto, calling them unfair, disproportionate and persecutory in a club statement that also criticised Lucho González.

The decision comprises a one-match suspension for Mourinho’s dismissal after he kicked a ball into the stands as Leandro Barreiro equalised, plus a further 11 days arising from a dispute with Lucho González.

Mourinho’s action was framed as a celebratory gesture seen from him before, without any intent to disrespect or provoke, with widely shared footage cited as evidence.

The ruling was described as ignoring the explanations submitted and distorting the context, while downplaying provocations by Lucho González in the tunnel after the dismissals.

Full backing for Mourinho was underlined, alongside a pledge to uphold sporting integrity and respect for the club’s professionals through the legal avenues available.

Source: Glorioso 1904