# Benfica disciplinary disputes in Liga Portugal

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/benfica-disciplinary-disputes-in-liga-portugal
> Updated: 2026-10-29T15:43:34.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 4.

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. Benfica issued a formal statement expressing indignation, arguing that video footage does not show any aggressive gestures and contesting the claim that Durán used inaudible words to contribute to a conflict. The club called for a rigorous investigation to address what it described as a “false account of events.”

Following a disciplinary process, Durán was cleared to play in the Taça da Liga quarter-final against Gil Vicente after his suspension was overturned. Luciano Gonçalves, president of the FPF Arbitration Council, acknowledged that the referee's report could have been better explained, noting that the disciplinary council would have the opportunity to question the official regarding the clarity of his report. Concurrently, former communications director João Gabriel has publicly criticized the club’s leadership and current communications department, specifically targeting director Pedro Pinto for a perceived lack of a coherent narrative.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Benfica player Jhon Durán cleared to play following disciplinary appeal

Benfica forward Jhon Durán can play in the Taça da Liga after a disciplinary appeal suspended his red card from the Santa Clara match.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benfica-player-jhon-durn-cleared-to-play-following-disciplinary-appeal

### 2026-10-26: Benfica criticizes referee report and club communication strategy

Benfica has formally challenged a referee's report regarding player Jhon Durán while a former director criticized the club's communication leadership.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benfica-criticizes-referee-report-and-club-communication-strategy

### 2026-10-26: Benfica coach disputes Jhon Durán red card

Benfica coach Marco Silva is contesting the red card given to Jhon Durán, claiming video evidence proves the player committed no offense during the match against Santa Clara.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benfica-manager-disputes-jhon-durn-red-card-after-santa-clara-match

### 2026-09-28: Benfica files complaint against Samu and FC Porto

Benfica has filed a formal complaint with the Portuguese Football Federation seeking sanctions against FC Porto's Samu for an alleged assault on Alexander Bah during their recent match.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benfica-files-complaint-against-samu-and-fc-porto

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Cite as: Benfica disciplinary disputes in Liga Portugal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/benfica-disciplinary-disputes-in-liga-portugal