“Mourinho on the sidelines and Benfica silent after controversy with Arouca.”

José Mourinho, one of the most iconic managers in world football, is at the center of controversy after being sent off in the match against FC Porto, leading to a wave of reactions within SL Benfica. The Luz club, in an act of solidarity and indignation, has decided that none of its professionals will make statements after Saturday’s game against Arouca. Benfica’s decision is a direct response to the notification from the Disciplinary Council of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), which accepted Mourinho’s appeal but did not grant it suspensive effect. This means that the manager will not be able to sit on the bench, a situation that has outraged the club’s officials.

In a statement, SL Benfica said: “Following the punishment imposed by the FPF’s CD on our manager José Mourinho, to which is added the refusal of suspensive effect to the appeal submitted, no professional from the club will make statements in the flash interview and in the press room after tonight’s game against FC Arouca, in a collective manifestation of solidarity and indignation over a decision that, as stated by the club on Thursday in a statement, is manifestly unjust, disproportionate, and persecutory.”

The Disciplinary Board highlighted that appeals filed in summary processes, based on reports from referees or delegates, do not suspend the effectiveness of the sanctions. This rule is intended to ensure that the disciplinary consequences of infractions observed on the field are applied immediately. The DB argues that allowing all sanctions to be automatically suspended simply upon the filing of an appeal would open a dangerous door to impunity in sports.

With the decision made, Benfica and Mourinho find themselves in a battle not only against a sanction but also against what they consider a flawed and unjust disciplinary system. The absence of statements and the club’s firm stance demonstrate not only unwavering solidarity but also resistance against what they perceive as an attack on their integrity and the figure of their coach. What lies ahead for SL Benfica and Mourinho in this complex sporting scenario will remain in the spotlight as the championship progresses and the echoes of this controversy continue to resonate.