João Diogo Manteigas did not hold back this week. He called Martim Mayer a “coward,” heating up a rivalry that has gripped fans. This sharp label came during the ‘Red Vision’ podcast. It was a direct hit, especially after Mayer had earlier branded Manteigas a “pyromaniac.”
The latest battle centers on what happened at a recent General Assembly. Manteigas was visibly upset. He could not believe Mayer was spreading wrong information about the event. Manteigas argued that Mayer was protecting the real troublemaker of that meeting. He described a tense moment. Manteigas said he approached Mayer after Noronha Lopes tried to calm things down. Mayer was standing right beside them. Then, the meeting took a dramatic turn. Manteigas and Noronha Lopes faced a shameful verbal attack. Luís Filipe Vieira, Nuno Catarino, and José Pereira da Costa, the Assembly president, were the ones doing the shouting. But as things got heated, Manteigas claims Mayer simply walked away. He did not stand up for his fellow members. Manteigas believes they deserved Mayer’s support. He felt Mayer should admit who truly caused the chaos.
This public spat is not their only point of disagreement. There is also a dispute about a potential alliance. Mayer stands by his earlier story, which he shared on CMTV. He claims Manteigas suggested joining his board as CEO. Mayer says they met alone, and other facts back up his version. He even points to people Manteigas later named on his own list. The plan, Mayer insists, was to merge their campaigns. Mayer says he understands Manteigas might have changed his mind. However, he feels Manteigas should simply admit what happened. He believes anyone aiming to lead the club must always tell the truth.
Manteigas, a lawyer, brushed off Mayer’s claim. “Whoever wants to believe that, go ahead,” he said. He asked how anyone could think he would abandon his own nine-month campaign. This campaign included many people and a clear project. He stated it would be foolish to give all that up for just a role on a board. Yet, Mayer brought up another witness. He reminded everyone that António Simões had confirmed Manteigas’ proposal for an alliance. Manteigas did not take this well. He expressed regret that such a respected club figure had made those statements, saying Simões had contradicted himself.