LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Manager Jose Mourinho will miss Benfica’s next two games as a penalty. Red card and subsequent confrontation He appeared alongside Porto’s assistant coach in last Sunday’s controversial O Clasico.
The Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary council has taken two decisions, effectively banning the 63-year-old Benfica coach from the team’s next two matches.
Mourinho was handed a one-match suspension after receiving a red card late in Sunday’s 2-2 draw. He received the award for leaving the technical area to celebrate his goal and kicking the ball towards Porto’s substitute bench. Mourinho said he tried to kick the ball into the stands.
Mourinho, Not free from controversyHe was also suspended for 11 days for his interaction with Porto assistant coach Lucho González.
The one-match ban will come into effect from Saturday’s match against Benfica in Arouca. If he receives an 11-day suspension, he will not be able to play in the match against Vitoria on March 21st. Portuguese media pointed out that the punishments cannot be carried out simultaneously.
Benfica announced they would appeal Thursday night’s ruling. Mourinho said the punishment was “unfair and unjust”.
The disciplinary council said the clash with Gonzalez was triggered by Mourinho gesturing with his index finger and thumb and repeatedly saying, “You’re small.” González responded by calling Mourinho, who led Porto to the Champions League title in 2004, a “traitor.”
Gonzalez was suspended for one game and suspended for eight days.
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