Benfica have shown no signs of slowing down after their UEFA Champions League collide with Real Madrida match that focused on the controversy surrounding the alleged racist abuse of Vinicius Junior. In addition to dismissing the allegations, the Portuguese club has filed a complaint with UEFA Targeting Federico Valverde for violent behavior.
Tuesday’s play-off match at Estádio da Luz was marked by several controversial moments a controversial refereeing performance by François Letexier and the VAR team. One of those incidents happened late in the match and involved Valverde.
In the 83rd minute, Valverde chased a long ball while being closely marked by left back Samuel Dahl. When the Swedish defender grabbed him, the Real Madrid midfielder, trying to break free, swung his right arm at Dahl’s face, making contact but not hitting him cleanly.
After the contact, Dahl fell to the ground and a foul was called against Valverde. What raised further questions, however, was that the Uruguayan midfielder received no additional punishmentnot even a yellow card, and the VAR did not review the incident.
After the episode, Portuguese outlet To the ball reported that Benfica decided to file a disciplinary complaint with UEFA against Federico Valverde. The filing alleges violent conduct in connection with the Dahl incident, alleging his intent was not to play the ball but to strike the defender.
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Since Valverde went unpunished during the match, the complaint has been submitted so that the UEFA disciplinary committee can assess the situation. Benfica will now hope that the body can be in action in time for the second leg of the Champions League play-off, scheduled for Wednesday, February 25 at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Mourinho and the strong complaints about referees
José Mourinho was also a central figure in the Champions League match and spoke about his role in the incident involving Vinicius and Gianluca Prestianni. He then became a focal point during the match was sent off in the 86th minute with two quick yellow cards for protesting against Letexier about what he felt was a missed second booking for Vinicius after a foul near the penalty area on Richard Rios.
During his post-match press conference, Mourinho strongly criticized the French official for not booking Aurélien Tchouaméni, Alvaro Carreras And Dean Huijsen — players who would have been suspended for the second leg if they had received yellow cards: “There’s nothing to explain, it’s all very clear: I have 1,400 matches, it’s simple: He (Letexier) had a note saying Carreras, Tchouaméni, Huijsen: if they get a yellow card, they can’t play. And someone told him they couldn’t be booked.“
Mourinho then described the moments when he felt bookings for Madrid players were justified. “Carreras made a grotesque dive and did not receive a yellow card, Tchouaméni committed 10 fouls and did not receive a yellow card. All I told him was: I stated a fact and then he dismissed me with his arrogance. There is no crisis”, he stated.
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