Lisbon, Portugal – FC Porto has been sanctioned with a fine totaling €9,968 by the Portuguese Football Federation’s Disciplinary Board following a series of incidents involving its supporters during the recent Clássico against Benfica at Estádio da Luz. The penalties stem from behaviors reported by the match referee, league delegate, and security personnel, encompassing pyrotechnics, disruptive conduct during a moment of silence, and offensive displays.
The most substantial portion of the fine, amounting to €6,375, was levied due to actions considered a serious threat to public order. These included whistles during a minute’s silence held in tribute to the acclaimed Portuguese author António Lobo Antunes, who passed away in January 2026. Reports similarly detailed offensive and discriminatory chants emanating from the Porto supporters’ section, as well as the display of unauthorized banners. One banner, specifically, bore the message “Death to the Moors,” a phrase widely condemned as inflammatory and hateful.
Benfica formally requested clarification from the Disciplinary Council of the Portuguese Football Federation regarding the sporting consequences stemming from the final court decision in the “email case,” a separate but related matter. This request, made on March 20, 2026, seeks to understand the full extent of the repercussions for FC Porto. The case, finalized on January 16, 2026, after the Constitutional Court rejected Porto’s final appeal, centers on the club’s dissemination of private correspondence obtained illegally. Benfica was awarded €605,300.90 in compensation, plus interest and legal costs, after the Supreme Court initially ruled in their favor.
The incidents at Estádio da Luz weren’t limited to the minute of silence and banner displays. A fine of €1,910 was imposed for the use of pyrotechnics – specifically, a firecracker and a flashlight – in the visiting supporters’ area. This offense is considered a repeat violation, leading to a higher penalty. A further €1,683 fine was applied due to insulting chants directed towards Benfica and altercations between Porto supporters and stadium stewards during security checks, where pyrotechnic materials were confiscated.
FC Porto, founded in 1893, is one of Portugal’s “Big Three” clubs, alongside Benfica and Sporting CP, and has never been relegated from the Primeira Liga. The club, nicknamed the “Dragons,” currently plays its home matches at the Estádio do Dragão, which opened in 2003, replacing the historic Estádio das Antas. The club is currently managed by Francesco Farioli, and led by President André Villas-Boas.
The “email case” that prompted Benfica’s request for clarification involved the publicizing of private emails between Benfica officials by Porto Canal between April 2017 and February 2018. Benfica initially sought €17.7 million in damages, alleging that the disclosure caused significant reputational harm and attempted to undermine the integrity of Portuguese football. The court ultimately found the accusations made by Porto to be false and unfounded, contributing to the substantial compensation awarded to Benfica.
The Disciplinary Board’s decision underscores the Portuguese Football Federation’s commitment to addressing unacceptable fan behavior and maintaining order and respect within the sport. The repeat nature of some of the offenses committed by Porto supporters likely contributed to the severity of the fines imposed. The league has not yet announced any further action beyond the financial penalties.
Looking ahead, FC Porto will undoubtedly be focused on their upcoming fixtures in the Primeira Liga. The club will need to address the issues surrounding supporter conduct to avoid further sanctions and maintain a positive image. The next confirmed checkpoint for the club is their match against [Opponent TBD] on [Date TBD] at the Estádio do Dragão.
Here’s a developing story. Check back for updates.
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