FC Porto enjoys the system and no one seems the least concerned about what they are doing. Then, everyone is very surprised when new golden whistles appear in the middle of the games.
After the shameful decision not to remove points from FC Porto due to the coercion exerted on the referee at half-time of the FC Porto–SC Braga game, on November 2nd, we now find out how everything ended up being summed up in a fine of 12,750 euros, for an alleged violation of article 118 of the Disciplinary Regulations of the Liga Portugal, specifically paragraph b), which provides for punishment when:
“The conduct results in damage to the principles of sporting ethics, sporting truth or serious damage to the image and good name of football competitions.”
Once the ruling is known, the true reason for the benevolence can be seen: FC Porto justified that the images of the play in question were intended to be analyzed by its technicians, and it was “by mere mistake” that they were also sent to the referees’ locker room.
The argument is old, worn out and recycled:
The coffee with milk was for coaches and players… by mistake it went to the referee.
The trips to Brazil were for the team… by mistake they were paid to referees.
The phone calls were to give marriage advice to athletes… by mistake a referee was on the phone.
The appointments were for club players… by mistake they ended up in referees.
It’s always all an oversight. One lapse after another. A permanent coincidence.
Anyone who says that the octopus died is completely mistaken. It is very much alive, with the same tactics, the same methods and the same impunity.
Keep talking about Benfica. Meanwhile, by mistake, they tilt the board.
