Benfica president Rui Costa has demanded punishment for rival club FC Porto following alleged pressure on a referee during a recent match.
Costa stated he expects “some punishment” for the incident, which he described as “not normal” and “not explainable.” Benfica is awaiting a “swift response” from the relevant football authorities.
The Benfica leader emphasized the severity of the situation. He said such an occurrence “cannot happen in Portuguese football” and described it as “too serious.”
Costa also expressed surprise at a lengthy statement issued by FC Porto on Tuesday, which he claimed avoided the core issue. He called it an attempt to “divert attention” from what transpired.
The alleged pressure targeted referee Fábio Veríssimo during a game involving FC Porto and Sporting Braga. Benfica had previously issued its own statement on the matter.
Costa, who is also seeking re-election as Benfica’s president, made his comments while arriving in Leiria for a dinner with club supporters.