A new kind of training session has begun at FC Porto. It is not about tactics or fitness. Instead, it aims to teach players the finer points of football rules and how to respect the officials. This unique approach kicked off with the club’s Under-19 squad.
Leading these sessions is Bertino Miranda, a seasoned official now serving as Porto’s new advisor on refereeing and the laws of the game. His mission is clear: to bring clarity to the rules across the entire club. Miranda wants to ensure a consistent understanding of game rules and referee interactions from the youngest players to the senior team. This journey started with the U19s. But it is set to spread, reaching the women’s squad, the senior ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams, and even the youngest talents at Dragon Force.
Miranda explained the goal. He believes players need to know more than just the basic rules. Football often throws up rare moments, he noted, and those can catch anyone off guard. "Most people know the big rules. But if we don’t go over the details, dig into them, or highlight them – which is my job – then players and teams will suffer from what they don’t know," Miranda stated. "A key aim was to open their eyes to the referee’s tough job. Officials strive for perfection; they are crucial to the game." He stressed that players need this in-depth knowledge to reach their full potential on the field.
The Human Element of Officiating
Miranda also spoke about the critical importance of how players behave towards officials. He pointed out that both FIFA and UEFA have been tightening rules to shield referees from disrespect. "The official’s standing needs protection. A good bond with them is vital because they are key to the game," he emphasized. This applies equally to coaching staff on the sidelines. "Remember, a referee is just a person, making split-second calls under immense pressure. Step into their shoes, and you’ll grasp the game’s flow and all its fleeting moments much better." Understanding this human element, he believes, will lead to greater appreciation and better conduct.
Beyond the Whistle: A Deeper Story
This move by FC Porto comes with a bit of a backstory. News of Miranda joining Porto first broke via Record, a widely read sports newspaper. Shortly after, arch-rivals Benfica quickly called for an investigation into clubs bringing former referees onto their staff. Porto, in turn, fired back. They accused their rivals of "selective memory," a classic jab in their ongoing rivalry. This exchange highlights how even a positive step like education can spark heated debate in the competitive world of football. It shows that sometimes, the stories behind the scorelines are as important as the goals themselves.