Benfica disciplinary disputes in Liga Portugal

Benfica has engaged in multiple disciplinary disputes with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) regarding player conduct and officiating. In late September, the club filed a formal complaint against FC Porto player Samu, seeking punishment for an alleged assault on Alexander Bah during a derby match. In October, the club’s focus shifted to contesting a red card issued to forward Jhon Durán during a match against Santa Clara. Manager Marco Silva defended the player, while referee Cláudio Pereira justified the dismissal by citing the use of “offensive, insulting, or coarse language or gestures.” The incident resulted in a broader confrontation that led to several red cards for players and staff from both Benfica and Santa Clara. Following the match, Benfica issued a formal statement expressing indignation regarding Cláudio Pereira’s referee report. The club is contesting his claim that Durán responded to provocation with inaudible words that contributed to a generalized conflict, arguing that video footage does not show any aggressive or provocative gestures. Benfica has called for a rigorous investigation by the Disciplinary Council to address what they describe as a “false account of events.” Manager Marco Silva has reiterated his disagreement with the referee's report, stating that after reviewing video footage, he remains convinced of the player's innocence. Silva has called for a swift decision from the Disciplinary Council to clarify Durán's availability for upcoming fixtures. Despite the pending ruling, Durán has been included in the squad for Benfica's Taça da Liga match against Gil Vicente. Concurrently, former communications director João Gabriel has publicly criticized the club’s leadership and its current communications department.