FC Porto cleared of Sporting complaints, fined over multi-ball breach | OneFootball

FC Porto were cleared of Sporting's broader complaints arising from February's clássico, but the club's SAD and field director Marco Paiva received fines. The federation's disciplinary council announced the decision on Thursday.

Sporting filed the case after the 21st-round meeting at Estádio do Dragão on 9 February, which ended 1-1.

The panel dismissed allegations of attempts to influence the refereeing, suggestive dressing-room decoration, altered access routes that brought staff into contact with home fans, manipulated air conditioning and restrictions in the stands with banners and speakers.

On claims that ball boys were controlled to hide match balls and remove goalkeeper Rui Silva's towels, the council found no time-wasting and no instruction from Porto. The SAD were held responsible only for duties related to the guidance of the youngsters involved.

The disciplinary case was partly archived, with Porto's SAD fined 10,200 euros for breaching multi-ball system rules, citing a violation of sporting ethics and serious damage to the image of Liga competitions. Paiva was sanctioned 1,530 euros for one offence and other failures to meet his duties.

Source: O Jogo