The Portuguese championship continues to be a true comedy and, week after week, it does not disappoint in its ability to overcome itself.
We saw FC Porto putting pressure on a referee with a television inside the locker room at halftime of a game — something never seen before. There were scenes on loop, even images of children’s games. What followed was a barrage of public complaints about refereeing, while private meetings were held with the leader of the referees and the Federation.
Now, after intimidating the Estoril coach, the referee who was pressured at Dragão suddenly becomes the target. FC Porto presented a report that resulted in the opening of an investigation against… the referee himself. Yes, this is magic.
Here is what the document says:
«Determination of the disciplinary relevance of factuality reported by FC Porto – Futebol SAD.»
And the accusation of the dragons:
«After the end of the last FC Arouca–FC Porto match, and in front of several witnesses, referee Fábio Veríssimo threatened Club officials with expulsions and other forms of intimidation, threats that, in FC Porto’s understanding, came to fruition in last Sunday’s game.»
In other words: the club that pressures referees at halftime with selected images — and that sees no problem with that — is quick to complain about “intimidation” and “persecution”.
But about the television in the locker room, the most serious episode of all, which even led to notes of rejection from the referee? Absolute silence. Not a peep.
It’s the same movie as always: they do what they want, they turn the tables when it suits them and, in the end, they still present themselves as victims.
The Portuguese championship, this one, continues to move happily towards absurdity.
Related reading
