14.11.2025 16:36
Former Fenerbahçe executive and Benfica Sporting Director Mario Branco is facing a heavy penalty from the Portuguese Football Federation due to his harsh reaction towards the referee during the Casa Pia match. After the match, Branco entered the field and strongly protested against the referee, even following him to the corridor of the dressing room to escalate his verbal attack. The Portuguese Football Federation has suspended Branco from the fields for 20 days as a precaution.
Benfica's Sporting Director and former Fenerbahçe executive Mario Branco is facing a heavy penalty from the Portuguese Football Federation due to his harsh reaction towards the referee during the Casa Pia match.
ENTERED THE FIELD, SUSPENDED FOR 20 DAYS
Mario Branco, who entered the field and protested strongly to the referee after the final whistle in the match where Benfica drew 2-2 with Casa Pia, has learned his punishment. The Portuguese Football Federation has suspended Branco from the fields for 20 days on a precautionary basis. However, it was noted that the investigation is ongoing and that elements that could aggravate the penalty are being examined.
UP TO 6 MONTHS SUSPENSION ON THE AGENDA
Portuguese media reported that the Federation is preparing to impose a suspension of up to 6 months on Mario Branco. The nature of Branco's verbal assault has led to comments that the penalty could be given at the upper limit.
REFEREE'S REPORT CAUSED A STIR
A Bola newspaper published the detailed match report of referee Gustavo Correia. According to the report, Branco entered the field after the match and told the referee, "Honor the badge on your chest. You are a source of shame. I will ruin you and Joao Bento in VAR."
According to the referee's claim, Branco followed the referee to the corridor of the dressing room and intensified his verbal assault, saying, "I will ruin you, you can be sure of that. You and Bento... F***ing clowns! What you did is disgraceful."
After the incident, which has caused a wide reaction in Portugal, it remains a matter of curiosity how Benfica's management will defend itself, while it is stated that the penalty Mario Branco will receive could seriously affect his career.