Referee chief warns Benfica: “We won’t change our approach” | OneFootball

Luciano Gonçalves, president of the Refereeing Council of the Portuguese Football Federation, commented this Thursday on Benfica’s recent criticisms regarding the match against Alverca, which was part of the fourth round of the Primeira Liga.

The referee of the match, José Bessa, from the Porto Football Association, drew the attention of Benfica’s officials.

At the end of the game, in statements to journalists, Mário Branco, general director of football at the Luz club, made remarks about the way the match was conducted in Ribatejo, which resulted in the expulsion, in the 70th minute, of the Eagles’ right-back, Amar Dedic, for accumulation of yellow cards.

“Just because someone didn’t understand our messages doesn’t mean we’re going to change our strategy. This is not an issue that concerns me. Each director will know their own strategy. The important thing is to stick to our approach, which is greater openness with the clubs and all those involved,” the official emphasized in an interview with Antena 1, assuring that “refereeing does not hide.”

Regarding the improvement of the refereeing staff and the consistent application of criteria, Luciano Gonçalves added: “We are making the biggest investment ever made in refereeing,” setting as a goal the presence of Portuguese referees at the 2026 World Cup, organized by the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada:

“I will be frustrated if that doesn’t happen, that’s what we’re working towards. We must not forget that only nine European referees will be present, but it will be frustrating for me and my team if it doesn’t happen.”

João Gonçalves praised

The fourth round of the Primeira Liga was also marked by the first Clássico of the season, which pitted Sporting against FC Porto. The debutant João Gonçalves, from the Porto Football Association, officiated the match at Alvalade and received praise.

“It was a winning bet. I liked it a lot. He showed that he is a referee with great abilities and a bright future. Like João Gonçalves, we will have others who will have the opportunity to referee clássicos, derbies, and matches involving the main clubs. All referees must be able to officiate any type of match. Otherwise, they cannot be in the professional leagues,” Luciano Gonçalves concluded.

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